Endometriosis

Endometriosis is well-managed using naturopathic medicine.

Endometriosis is a disorder involving the endometrium, the tissue that lines the uterus. The endometrium is the tissue that, throughout the menstrual cycle thickens, breaks down and bleeds.

In endometriosis, endometrial tissue, distributed by unknown mechanisms to other locations in the body (e.g., fallopian tubes, ovaries, pelvic lining) continues to act according to it’s normal cycle. If located outside the uterus, blood from endometrial bleeding has no exit from the body. Trapped blood irritates surrounding tissue, and may lead to cysts, scars and adhesion of nearby organs.

Endometriosis may impair fertility.

Seek professional healthcare if you experience symptoms that cause you to suspect you may have endometriosis.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

Possible symptoms of endometriosis include:

  • Menstrual cramps 
  • Pelvic pain (e.g., with intercourse, bowel movements or urination; during ovulation)
  • Heavy bleeding at menstrual periods
  • Bleeding between menstrual periods
  • Infertility 

Treatment of Endometriosis at Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

At Toronto Centre Naturopathic Medicine, the goal of endometriosis treatment is lasting reduction of pain during menses.

Conventional treatment for endometriosis may include surgery, or a variety of medications, including oral contraceptives, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and antagonists and danazol, medroxyprogesterone and aromatase inhibitors. These treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.

For this reason, you may choose to try natural treatment to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease dosages of conventional medications required to manage your endometriosis symptoms.

Naturopathic treatment of any chronic health concern must be recognized as a process that involves:

  • Identifying specific treatment goals
  • Development by your naturopathic doctor, of a thorough understanding of all factors affecting your health, including physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle factors
  • Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Implementation and maintenance of that plan through periodic monitoring and adjustment.

At Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, a typical approach to treating endometriosis may be to:

Where appropriate, a number of therapeutic options may be used in treatment of endometriosis, alone, or more often in a complementary fashion, including:

Treatments provided by naturopathic doctors are covered by most extended healthcare plans.

References

Endometriosis [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2009 Feb 18]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/endometriosis/DS00289.

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