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Endometriosis is a chronic reproductive health disorder in women where the tissues which grow inside the uterus start growing outside the uterus. About 1 in 10 women may suffer from this condition which can disrupt the quality of life in women.
What are the causes of endometriosis?
Causes are varied and have a genetic, immunologic and environmental component. Diet and lifestyle may play a major role along with a weak immune system which can lead to it’s symptoms.
Common symptoms of endometriosis
Since endometriosis is an inflammatory disease it shows the following symptoms
- Dysmenorrhea or Painful periods
- Heavy bleeding during periods
- Painful sexual intercourse. Pain during and after sex is a common feature in endometriosis
- Painful urination and painful bowel movements
- Nausea and bloating during periods
- Excessive emotional discomfort and anxiety
- Low energy and fatigue
- Infertility
Women suffering from endometriosis sometimes can be asymptomatic and it is diagnosed during infertility treatments. It affects the quality of life on personal. Social, professional levels and affects the intimate relationship as well. Women with endometriosis are found to suffer from emotional issues and can suffer from anxiety and depression
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Natural ways to manage endometriosis
Currently there is no cure for it. Doctors might recommend surgery or hormonal or pain medication based on the severity of the symptoms. There is a not a single best remedy for endometriosis.
Diet and lifestyle:
The endometrial cells proliferate due to estrogen, hence a diet which helps modulate estrogen level is useful to reduce endometriosis symptoms. Avoid sugars and refined carbs as they lead to hormonal imbalance and inflammation. Its best to avoid alcohol as it raises estrogen levels. Dairy products are best avoided as they can cause inflammation. Though buttermilk can be an exception and used as a part of daily diet for better gut health.
Stick to leafy greens, healthy fats like ghee and filtered oils like sesame, coconut and olive oil. Have healthy proteins but avoid having soy as it is rich in estrogen.
Lifestyle: stick to routine and ensure that you are not sleeping late in the night. Learn yoga and meditation as it helps to balance hormones and also reduce pain. Yoga like pawanmuktasana, kokilasana, sukhasana and malasana are useful in endometriosis. Any kind of exercise which helps improve metabolism helps that too. So simple walking for 30 minutes for atleast 5 days a week is also useful
Herbs:
Turmeric: Turmeric is a well-known anti-inflammatory and also helps balance hormones naturally. It regulates metabolism and helps improve digestive symptoms like bloating in endometriosis.
Ashwagandha: A well-known adaptogen, it helps to keep anxiety and stress away and also improves sleep quality. Anxiety is a culprit in endometriosis
Amla: Amla is nourishing and also a great anti-oxidant. It reduces inflammation and helps keep the energy up. It also is useful in restoring hormonal balance naturally in endometriosis.
Ginger: Ginger is an amazing anti-oxidant and is the best medicine for period pain as proven through various research work. It also works on reducing nausea and bloating and helps improve digestive health.
Ayurveda also suggests warm oil massages and shirodhara for relief from aggravated vayu and improve overall health. Using herbal options in endometriosis can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Endotone capsules from Charak Pharma is a comprehensive formulation for it with herbs like ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, ashwagandha which help balance hormones, reduce inflammation and pain and also help improve reproductive health too in people with endometriosis.
