Endometriosis

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Endometriosis

By Dr. ette Roscoe

Endometriosis occurs when cells from the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, migrate to other parts of the pelvic cavity: ovaries, bladder, gastro-intestinal tract, the outer uterus and, occasionally, to the lungs via the bloodstream. After the endometrial cells have transplanted themselves, they continue to respond to the body's monthly hormonal cycle as though they had never left the uterus. Estrogen sends a signal to the displaced tissue to fill with blood, which is then released at menstruation. Because the drops of blood have nowhere to go, the tissue may become the site of excruciating pain and inflammation. These sites are called "implants" and, though often very small -- the size of a pin head -- they can create a disabling pelvic pain.

What causes endometriosis?There are several factors implicated in endometriosis, and new evidence is pointing towards environmental pollutants. One proven cause is exposure to dioxin, an industrial chemical compound associated with pulp and paper mills. In a study with monkeys, 79 percent developed endometriosis after exposure to dioxin compared with 33 percent in the nonexposed group. Endometriosis has also been linked to candida (systemic yeast infection). And radiation is another culprit: in the 1960s, the U.S. space programs did a study on monkeys in which 53 percent of the animals developed endometriosis after being exposed to radiation compared with 26 percent in the test group. PCBs were linked to endometriosis and by a 1992 German study; PCBs are common in our environment, specifically in refrigerants. During the last century, the number of cases of endometriosis has steadily risen as has the intensity of patients' symptoms. It is now a major cause of

pain and disability in women and may also be linked to infertility. "The disease of endometriosis," says Lou Bullweg, founder of the Endometriosis Association, "might have been a mild, mostly tolerable disease in the past and has become a severe and distinctly intolerable disease with the additional effects of modern pollutants in our bodies." What are the signs of endometriosis? The warning signs of endometriosis are menstrual cramps that worsen progressively over time; pain at ovulation; and severe pelvic pain a few days before and after menstruation. The type and timing of the pain can vary from woman to woman. The type of pain can help determine where the endometrial spots are located. For example, painful bowel movements during menstruation suggest the spots are in the large intestine; similarly, painful urination during menstruation indicates the bladder. When the ovaries are the site, there may be excessive menstrual bleeding or spotting between periods. Symptoms tend to

gradually increase as the endometriosis grows. And what causes the pain? One theory postulates that the inflamed tissue produces prostaglandins, a natural substance that can cause contractions and pain. While many women have endometriosis, only some experience pain. The only way to establish a solid diagnosis is to perform a laparoscopy: an operation in which the surgeon inserts a small telescope into the abdomen to look for endometrial implants and to take samples. Conventional treatmentsWhen symptoms are minor, no treatment is necessary. For more severe pain, conventional medicine uses drugs and surgery. The symptoms of endometriosis decrease during pregnancy and at menopause, so the drugs prescribed try to mimic these bodily states. Birth control pills, progesterone or menopause-inducing drugs are the common choices. Surgery involves a laparoscopy to clear away implants, thus reducing pain or relieving a blockage that causes infertility. Unfortunately, this surgery does not always work and/or can create the painful side effect of adhesions (scar tissue). If you decide to go the surgical route, find a surgeon who is completely committed to removing all endometrial implants, no matter how small; a thorough operation can take up to 4 hours.

Alternative treatmentsHolistic therapies seek to establish balance throughout the entire system. They are based on the belief that, given the right tools, the body can heal itself. In the case of endometriosis, naturopathic care can produce surprisingly good results. On a preventive level, avoid contact with known toxins and radiation. For example, keep the number of X-rays you receive to a minimum, and protect yourself from low-level radiation sources like computer screens. Reduce your exposure to organochlorines and dioxin -- i.e., PVC plastic solvents, pesticides, refrigerants and close proximity to pulp and paper mills. DietAs always, the preferred diet focuses on whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits, seeds, nuts and protein from soy and fish. Reduce your dairy and meat intake in order to avoid the different forms of estrogen and steroids in these products. DetoxifyThere is a definite link between pollutants in the body and the severity of endometriosis symptoms. For this reason, a detoxifying program is very important: a 1 to 3 month regime of cleansing diet, possible fasting, and herbs and supplements to detoxify the liver, lymph system, bowel and kidneys. The liver is responsible for converting hormones and detoxifying the body, so it is vital to limit all substances that impair the liver's function, such as excess sugar, alcohol and caffeine. SupplementsVitamin E can help break down the excess estrogen in your body; it can also limits the growth of adhesions and keep scar tissue soft. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) helps regulate the production of prostaglandins, which is released during times of stress and is associated with pain and inflammation; GLA is found in evening primrose oil and flax seed oil. Vitamin B complex helps promote the efficient metabolism of estrogen by the liver. And vitamin C decreases stress and reduces excessive bleeding and cramps; it is also a potent antioxidant. HerbsHerbs such as chasteberry, false unicorn root, crampbark and black cohash play various roles in promoting the relief of symptoms by treating the underlying causes. Herbs can help increase circulation to the pelvis, thus helping drainage in the region. They also can act as hormonal balancers, and improve liver function and digestion. Other therapiesProgesterone in various forms can help block the body's monthly estrogen stimulus to the endometrial implants and thus limit the growth of the cells. The treatment is gradual: 4 to 6 months before symptoms are relieved. Bike riding and sitz baths are two mechanical therapies that promote drainage of the pelvic cavity. Both stationary and regular bike riding have the direct effect of toning the muscles of the region. Sitz baths, which involve alternating cold- and hot- water immersions, open and close the blood vessels in the lower body. This helps drain away inflammatory agents and bring healing nutrients to the pelvic cavity. These holistic therapies are gentle, safe and effective, and offer considerable relief from the pain of endometriosis.

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