This is my first blog—ever! My clients constantly inspire me to share what I have learned; and putting that knowledge in writing helps me with the conditions they face.
I first became interested in fertility in 2005/2006, when I started working for a doctor who specializes in fertility and alternative medicine. I sat behind that big front desk, filling herbal prescriptions, answering questions, and learning everything I could from her and her patients. I caught the “oxytocin baby bug” as I watched women come in glowing with pregnancy news. I knew then that this was to be my life, along with having a family of my own someday. The passion and vision had been born.
I signed up for a four-year masters program in Oriental Medicine so I could begin helping women on their journey, like the doc was doing. She and I both met our husbands shortly after I started my training, and now we both have families of our own.
Today’s topic: Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which normal endometrial tissue inside your uterus grows in places it should not. Normal tissue growth in the uterus makes the lining nice and thick for implantation of an embryo. But when it grows on the ovaries and or on the fallopian tubes, it sometimes blocks an egg from being released or prevents the egg from traveling down the fallopian tube to the uterus for implantation. Improper growth can cause scar tissue and cysts in the pelvic region and beyond; Endometriosis can even start to change the shape of the uterus. In addition, your hormones get out of balance, with estrogen often dominating over progesterone. The signs are usually pain in the pelvic area, painful menstruation, and difficulty getting pregnant.
The good news is that there a number of things YOU can do NOW to get your body baby-ready and stay balanced hormonally. Here are some things I find helpful in treating patients that can help you:
1. Find a way to moderate your stress
We know that stress negatively impacts endometriosis. Studies show women with advanced endometriosis have higher stress levels. The good news is that acupuncture can help moderate stress by positively affecting the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis or what is called the HPA axis. Researchers are finding that acupuncture blocks the stress-induced HPA chemicals or hormones. It has a regulating affect on chemicals in the body, which creates homeostasis—balance—in your body.
I want to thank fertility pioneer Randine Lewis for her work and sharing! Pick up a copy of her book The Infertility Cure or borrow it from my lending library. (I can’t wait to talk to her again next month at the Infertility Symposium in Vancouver!).
Other ways to help your body deal with stress are to increase your intake of the following: B, C, magnesium, and zinc. I usually recommend at least 500 mg of the adaptogen herb Ashwagandha as well.
2. Decrease your exposure to toxins and plastics
Stay away from environmental chemicals dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs.) Exposure to these is associated with an increased prevalence and severity of endometriosis. If you regularly drink from a plastic water bottle, ditch it and replace with a reusable glass bottle or HPVE container (you can buy a 32-ounce HPVE bottle at a Big 5 Sporting Goods store, under the manufacturer name “nalgene”).
Also, high-fat meat has dioxins and PCBs, since fat is where these chemicals are stored in the body. An Italian study showed a correlation between endometriosis and diets high in red meat and ham. It’s best to buy only organic grass-fed meats and dairy products and eat these in moderation.
3. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables
Parsley and celery are great for hormone balance. Also, the Brassica family of vegetables—cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, etc.—are excellent for helping your body metabolize the excess estrogen that is often present in endometriosis. Flaxseeds also serve the same purpose.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids and Evening Primrose Oil
Omega 3s are called essential fatty acids because our body needs them to function but does not produce them. We can get Omega 3s through fish oil: salmon, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies all contain this essential fatty acid. A research study showed that oils containing EPA and DHA helped decrease pain and inflammation (symptoms of endometriosis) by decreasing prostaglandin E2.
Evening Primrose Oil is great for symptoms of hormonal imbalance and stress. Take 500–1,000 mg daily as a source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA).
The product I recommend to patients is Nordic Naturals Balanced Omega, which has fish oil and evening primrose in balanced ratios. Don’t take Evening Primrose Oil after ovulation if you are actively trying to get pregnant.
5. Herbs
I love Vitex (Chasteberry). It helps regulate and support the pituitary gland, the master gland for hormone production. Studies show that it helps to support the production of progesterone and lutienizing hormone. Women with endometriosis often have an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone—what is called estrogen dominance. Progesterone directly inhibits the growth of endometrial cells. This is why supporting your body with enough progesterone is important for internal balance. These two substances need to be balanced for your health and well-being. I like to think of the estrogen and progesterone balance as the yin/yang balance as it naturally exists in our bodies and in nature.
Some women use progesterone cream topically to help maintain this balance. The great part about Vitex is that it isn’t a hormone itself; it is what is called a precursor—it helps your body create the hormones it needs. The right dosage will vary from person to person.
Asian Medicine uses a few different formulas based on your unique presentation. This is why I love Asian Medicine. It’s not one-size-fits-all. Some patients are on Cinnamon Twig Decoction, and others need Augmented Four Substances. These formulas can be modified to fit your needs. We do a nutritional/herbal consult and come up with a program based on Asian diagnosis, which gives us valuable information about your unique constitution. Taking into account your lifestyle and other factors unique to you, I recommend herbal formulas and supplements to support your body’s healing.
6. Other Supplements
NAC or N-Acetyl Cysteine is a promising supplement with new research showing benefits for those with endometriosis. Patients taking 600 mg three times daily showed great improvement in an Italian study posted by Dr. Tori Hudson. NAC also helps your whole body detoxify better.
B6 can help boost your progesterone levels naturally. Eat foods high in B6 as well as supplement to help with the estrogen/progesterone ratio in your body. B6 also works with your liver enzymes to remove excess estrogen from your body.
Milk Thistle (silymarin) or DIM( found in cruciferous vegetables) both help support your liver do the job of processing and eliminating excess estrogen. Take one or the other. They both work in similar ways.
7. Topicals
Frankincence essential oil is a favorite of mine for helping resolve the stagnation that results in cysts and fertility issues. Use essential oils such as frankincense, myrrh, clary sage, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, juniper, and thyme. I like to massage these into the lower abdomen during a session. And you can easily do this yourself at home before bed.
Warm castor oil packs is another great addition. Castor oil has been used dating back 4,000 years. It has been called the palm of Christ because of its healing properties. Castor oil packs stimulate three important parts of the body: lymphatic, circulatory systems and the liver. It brings healing by restoring circulation. Let me know if you need help with this. I am here to serve you.
Thanks for listening!
About Joy:
Joy is licensed, nationally board certified, and insured. Her practice is in Tempe, Arizona. She loves being a mama to her two boys, and taking desert mountain hikes near her home.
Sources:
Ley, Beth M. Ph.D., Castor Oil!: Its Healing Properties, BL Publications, 2003
http://www.thefertilesoul.com/pages/Diagnostic_pgs/ENDOMETRIOSIS.php
Endometriosis | University of Maryland Medical Center, http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/endometriosis#ixzz3UKjRbZFW
Porpora M, BrunelliR, Costa G, et al., “A promise in the treatment of endometriosis: an observational cohort study on ovarian endometrioma reduction by N-acetylcysteine,” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, April 2013, Article ID 240702, 7 pages http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/240702.
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