Natural Ways to Cope with Endometriosis

Endometriosis is characterized by endometrial tissue that instead of lining the uterus and being shed every month with the menstrual period, grows outside the uterus on your ovaries, around the fallopian tubes or across the ligaments that support the uterus. It tends to anchor itself like a web on your internal tissues. Like normal endometrial tissue, it swells and bleeds during the menstrual period, but with no where to go, causes inflammation, scarring and severe pain.

There are several things you can do to augment your doctor's treatment plan that are natural and easy lifestyle changes.

Keep a calendar of when your symptoms are the worst and when they are hardly noticeable. Monitor your diet and activity. By following closely your symptoms as they are associated with how you eat and how much you exercise, you can gauge what to expect as far as symtpoms, and may be able to avoid things that cause you pain.

Like regular cramps during your period, endometrial cramps are the result of too much prostaglandin, a hormone in the uterine lining. It overstimulates the uterine muscles, and forces them to work overtime. Anti-inflammatories such as Advil, Nuprin or Motrin all work to block prostaglandins. Take two tablets at a time for relief. Eating fish is another alternative to suppressing the production of prostaglandins. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which work to suppress excessive prostaglandin production.

Try a hot pack on your abodmen. Moist heat may be particularly helpful. Warm drinks may also help you to relax.

If you don't get relief with heat, try using an ice pack. Place the ice pack over the lower abdominal area.

Exercise to relieve stress and also to reduce estrogen levels in the body.  This may in turn, reduce the growth of endometriosis. Exercise also helps increase the levels of endorphins, which are natural pain-blocking substances in the body. Gentle exercises such as walking or swimming are ideal as they will not cause jarring or pulling on scar tissue or adhesions.

Eliminate caffeine from your diet, as it is thought to aggravate pain in the body.

Use sanitary napkins rather than tampons during your period. This allows the blood to flow more freely. Tampons may contribute to cramping because they act as a cork.

Accupressure may also help with endometriosis symptoms.  Press with your thumb on the spot on your inner leg about two inches above the ankle bone. As you press, it should feel slightly tender. Repeat as needed to help with pain.

While the symptoms of endometriosis may be helped with natural and alternative remedies, it is best to consult your physician if you have an ongoing problem.