Natural Therapies: Endometriosis

In addition to diet, herbs, and supplements, exercise may help prevent endometriosis. It is unknown whether exercise will help an existing condition. Since hormones like estrogen affect endometriosis, many treatments are designed to reduce estrogen levels in the body. If you are pregnant, or thinking of becoming pregnant, do not use any complementary and alternative therapies unless directed to do so by your physician.

Nutrition and Supplements

These nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:

  • Eliminate potential food allergens, including dairy, wheat (gluten), corn, soy, preservatives, and food additives.

  • Eat antioxidant-rich foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes), and vegetables (such as kale, spinach, and bell pepper).

  • Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.

  • Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy), or beans for protein.

  • Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or coconut oil.

  • Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in commercially-baked goods, such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.

  • Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, and limit foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat. Avoid foods with additives, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG).

  • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of filtered water daily.

Nutritional deficiencies may be addressed with the following supplements:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, to help reduce inflammation and improve immunity.

  • A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, D, E, the B-vitamins, and trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium.

  • Vitamin C, as an antioxidant and for immune support.

  • Alpha-lipoic acid, for antioxidant support.

  • L-carnitine, for muscular support. Carnitine may interact with certain medications, including acenocoumarol (Sintrom), thyroid hormone, and blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, and others.

  • Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus), when needed for maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health.

  • Calcium d-glucarate, can help rid the body of toxins and may help the body get rid of excess estrogen. If you are taking birth control pills or hormonal medication, talk to your physician before taking Calcium d-glucarate as this supplement may interfere with hormonal and many other medications.

  • Diindolylmethane (DIM), to help the body metabolize estrogen into the most beneficial form and not into harmful forms. If you are taking birth control pills or any kind of hormonal medicine, talk to your doctor before taking DIM as this supplement may interfere with hormonal medications and many other medications.

  • Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), for antioxidant and immune support. CoQ10 may interfere with blood-thinning medications by making the blood more prone to clot.

Herbs

Herbs are a way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to choose the safest, most effective herbal therapies. Many of the following herbs have hormonal activity and may therefore interfere with hormonal medications. Always tell your doctor about any herbs you may be taking. Never use herbs if you are pregnant unless directed to do so by your physician.

  • Chasteberry (Vitex agnus cactus) standardized extract, for hormonal support. Chasteberry is usually taken long term (12 to 18 months) for maximum effectiveness. Consult a physician for long-term use. It can potentially interfere with certain medications, including hormonal, antipsychotic, Parkinson disease, and other medications. Talk to your doctor.

  • Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis) standardized extract, as a source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), for symptoms of hormonal imbalance and stress. You should not take evening primrose oil if you are taking antipsychotic medications, medications that may increase bleeding, or if you have a history of seizures.

  • Bromelain (Ananus comosus) standardized extract, for pain and inflammation. May increase the effect of blood thinning medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin); speak with your physician. Bromelain can also interact with other medications, including certain antibiotics.

  • Turmeric (Curcuma longa) standardized extract, for inflammation. May increase the effect of blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin); speak with your physician. Turmeric can make gallbladder problems, such as gallstones, worse.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is often used as an alternative and/or complementary treatment for endometriosis. Herbs often prescribed include corydalis, cnidium, bupleurum, dong quai, and perilla, sometimes accompanied by acupuncture. Because doses vary, you should talk to a licensed provider of TCM.

Natural Hormone Replacement

A qualified natural medicine provider may prescribe natural hormone creams, such as progesterone, to balance excess estrogen levels. This should only be done under the care of a licensed doctor skilled in the use of natural hormones. Keep all of your doctors informed whenever you use hormones of any kind.

Physical Medicine

DO NOT perform these therapies during menstrual flow:

  • Contrast sitz baths. You will need two basins in which you can comfortably sit. Sit in hot water for 3 minutes, then in cold water for 1 minute. Repeat this 3 times to complete one set. Do 1 to 2 sets per day, 3 to 4 days per week.

  • Castor oil pack. Apply oil to a soft, clean cloth, place on your abdomen, and cover with plastic wrap. Place a heat source over the pack and let sit for 30 to 60 minutes. Use for 3 consecutive days. Never use castor oil internally.

  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). Preliminary studies suggest that TENS may help reduce pain and improve quality of life for women with deep endometriosis.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may help reduce pain and balance hormone levels. Preliminary studies show that acupuncture is effective in reducing pain related to endometriosis. More studies are needed.

Massage

Therapeutic massage may help resolve pelvic congestion.