What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to those in the womb are present elsewhere in the body. Each month, these cells break down and bleed but unlike a period, the blood has nowhere to go, which causes inflammation, pain and scar tissue to form.
In the UK, around 1.5 million women currently suffer from endometriosis, that’s 10% of women of reproductive age. (Source: Endometriosis UK)
Endometriosis can have a devastating effect on women’s physical and mental health, affecting their relationships, careers, education and quality of life.
While many women experience period pain, it is not always the result of endometriosis.
Symptoms of endometriosis can include painful periods, pain or bleeding when passing a stool or painful urination. It can also include IBS, especially during periods, pelvic pain or pain during or after intercourse. Some also experience back pain, leg pain, fatigue, depression or infertility, which have a huge impact on their daily lives.
Cause:
The cause is unknown and there is no definitive cure.
Diagnosis:
The only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is with a laparoscopy, where a camera is inserted into the pelvis, via a small incision. Recent research shows an average of 8 years between seeing a doctor about symptoms and a firm diagnosis.
Conventional treatment:
1. Pain management
A hot water bottle or bath may help.
2. Hormonal treatment
Hormone treatments work by reducing levels of oestrogen in the body, potentially causing a medical menopause.
3. Surgery
Conservative surgery would remove or destroy the areas of endometriosis. It typically provides relief from symptoms, but these may recur in time.
Radical surgery refers to a hysterectomy or an oophorectomy, both of which are irreversible so would limit the ability to have children.
Can Homeopathy help?
Homeopathy is prescribed on the symptoms, not the diagnosis. It is gentle and natural and can reduce symptoms of pain and inflammation.
Endometriosis is complex, so best treated under the care of a qualified homeopath, but here is a taster of some of the more commonly used remedies:
1. Mag Phos: effective where there is terrible cramping, which can cause the person to bend over. A hot water bottle may help to relieve the pain a little
2. Lachesis: typically affects the left ovary. The person generally feels very emotional, with a need to talk. Pain is generally reduced by bleeding. They can’t bear anything tight around their neck or waist.
3. Sepia: A fantastic remedy for female hormonal health. The pain feels like it is being pulled down from the uterus and lower back. The patient feels irritable and doesn’t want any company. Exercise or dancing may improve everything.
If you’d like to try and reduce your symptoms from endometriosis, I would love to work with you.
I offer a free 15 min consultation to see if we’d work well together, which you can book here.
I hope to hear from you soon,
Ali
