Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a complex and debilitating disease that can affect any woman. It is a chronic and progressive condition characterised by acute episodes. It is one of the commonest benign gynaecological conditions in which tissue that would normally grow only in the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus), is found elsewhere in the abdominal and pelvic cavities, accompanied by cyclical bleeding of these tissues and the formation of painful cysts. Subsequent rupture of cysts and the resultant inflammatory process often leads to the formation of multiple adhesions. In more severe cases, endometrial tissue can migrate to other parts of the body and this presents a complicated clinical picture, particularly if there are other systems involved.

Summary of herbs commonly indicated in the symptomatic approach to endometriosis:

Symptom	Phytochemical properties/ Pharmacological actions	Herbs of Choice
Chronic abdominal or pelvic pain	pelvic tonic & astringent anti-inflammatory analgesic antispasmodic	life root cramp bark chamomile Jamaica dogwood
Ovulation pain (pain mid-cycle)	hormone balancer ovarian tonic	pulsatilla false unicorn root chaste berry
Painful periods	antispasmodic analgesic anti-inflammatory	cramp bark black cohosh pulsatilla
Heavy periods	anti-haemorrhagic astringent	yarrow beth root squaw vine
Menstrual irregularities	hormone balancer (oestrogenic or progesteronal)	chaste berry wild yam sarsaparilla
Pain on intercourse	anti-inflammatory analgesic	pulsatilla
Pain on passing urine	astringent demulcent anti-inflammatory	shepherd’s purse slippery elm cornsilk
Pain on bowel movement	anti-inflammatory astringent	yarrow witch hazel
Aggravated PMS	hormone balancer (oestrogenic or progesteronal)	chaste berry milk thistle Chinese angelica
Pelvic congestion	decongestants circulatory stimulants uterine tonics	ginger false unicorn root yarrow

By far the most important adjunct in the management of endometriosis is addressing nutrition, since dietary factors have been shown on many occasions to be very closely linked to health. Hormonal imbalances in endometriosis can be addressed on a nutritional level and controlling oestrogen is essentially a nutritional process.

Infertility and pain are two major symptoms that can be effectively addressed through diet; certain nutrients possess pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties which correspond to conventional medicines without the side effects. Essential fatty acids such as fish oils, evening primrose oil (EPO), starflower oil, borage oil and linseed oils are important as is Vitamin B6 which encourages the production of progesterone and this helps re-balance the 2 main sex hormones. Other supplementary nutrients that are suggested have been summarised below.

Selected nutrients of value and relevance in addressing manifestations of endometriosis:

NUTRIENT/FOOD ADDITIVE	COMMENT
Vitamin C	reduces inflammation
B complex	anti-inflammatory, analgesic and hormone balancer
Magnesium deficiency	causes muscle cramping in abdomen & joint pains (Magnesium acts on nerves that influence the relaxation of muscles & reduce the cramping pains during menstruation)
Dioxin (pesticide)	thought to cause immune system damage and endometriosis through its build up in fat cells
Phytooestrogens	weak oestrogenic effect (good at reducing symptoms) broccoli, French beans, pomegranates & fish oils encourages production of oestrogens in the body

Anemone pulsatilla (anemone) - a common
herbal remedy for tackling some of the
symptoms of endometriosis

The psychological well-being has equal emphasis in herbal management as is dealing with the physical symptoms. Effective herbal treatments using a range of nervines to address the psychological and emotional aspects of endometriosis remains an essential component of the management approach. Herbs such as skullcap, vervain and wood betony are all considered. A consultation with a herbalist is highly recommended in order to work out the best prescription options for each case.

Endometriosis UK, a leading charity dedicated to providing information, support and sadvice to sufferers of endometriosis are taking part in a charity . For more information, see http://endometriosis-uk.org/news/achieve-something-wonderful-pink-pants-snowdon-horseshoe-challenge-37170# and see their website at www.endometriosis-uk.org