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Understanding Endometriosis: Root Causes & Effective Treatment Options

Endometriosis is a complex and often misunderstood condition affecting millions worldwide. Although the exact cause of endometriosis remains unknown, research continues to uncover potential factors contributing to its development. As someone living with stage 4 endometriosis, I understand the challenging journey toward symptom management and long term relief.

Understanding and addressing the root cause needs to be the foundation for long-term relief. Below we explore the various factors believed to contribute to the onset and progression of endometriosis.

Root Causes:

1. Chemical exposure in utero is believed to contribute to the development.

Studies show that exposure to EDCs leads to hormonal changes including a higher estrogen concentration and progesterone resistance. Impaired phase 1 and 2 liver detoxification impairs progesterone production and increases estrogen absorption. While we can’t undo what has been done, we can work to lower our chemical exposure now. Starting to make small changes in your life such as low-tox kitchen products, low-chemical beauty products, avoiding fragrances, perfumes and scented candles is a great place to start.

2. Microbiome changes or compromised integrity of the gut.

This needs to be a first-line treatment for endometriosis. The gut microbiome composition in patients with endometriosis was found to be different to that of healthy women. An altered gut microbiota profile is directly linked to disruption of immune function – elevated proinflammatory cytokines. These proinflammatory cytokines are implicated in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. For most of my endo clients, multiple food reactions and bloating are two of the most frustrating symptoms they often experience daily.

3. Inflammation as a key driver.

Chronic inflammation in those with endo leads to the accumulation of scar tissue causing adhesions that cause the spread and growth of the lesions. This inflammation causes pain and the pain felt varies depending on the state and location of the disease. Inflammation can look like nutritional deficiencies, low or high iron, hormone imbalances, elevated liver enzymes, stress, processed foods, alcohol, sugar and chemicals.

4. Immune reaction.

Oestrogen activates and increases histamine release. This increased circulation of histamine further dries inflammation. These immune cells (NK, neutrophils and macrophages) play a role in the spread, growth and invasion of the endo cells. They all affect the endometriosis environment and further impact inflammation.  This immune reaction causes deregulation of the immune system and then dysbiosis. Focusing on supporting your immune system with a diet full of colors, diverse foods, low sugar, low alcohol, daily sweating, adequate hydration and quality sleep.

5. Hormonal imbalance.

Women with endometriosis often present with excess estrogen and progesterone resistance. Research shows that women with endometriosis have higher levels of estrogen, which can affect the endometrial tissue outside of the uterus and lead to inflammation and pain. Estradiol which is a type of estrogen regulates how uterine tissue grows. Progesterone resistance due to the suppressed progesterone receptor PGR expression and action is a general feature of endometriosis. This is a cause of endo-associated chronic pelvic pain, infertility, inflammatory disorders, anxiety, insomnia and more. This is one of the reasons that women with endo do not respond to treatment with progestins (mini pill), supporting the concept of progesterone resistance.

6. Environmental factors.

EDC, BPA, and pesticides are associated with an increased risk of endo. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) act like hormones and trick our bodies into thinking they are hormones. EDCs increase or decrease the levels of hormones in our blood by affecting how they are made, broken down or stored in the body.

To understand endometriosis effectively and to live a symptom-free life, it is crucial to address the root causes: estrogen and inflammation, reduce inflammatory foods, support healthy estrogen metabolism, treat immune dysfunction, minimize hormone-disrupting products, and focus on foundational aspects like nutrition, lifestyle, movement, and stress management while understanding that pain is a signal for necessary change.

Having a functional, holistic root cause approach to obtain proper diagnosis and help ease symptoms preventing further disease progression is key.

To effectively manage endometriosis and achieve a symptom free life, it’s important to address the underlying causes. These include reducing inflammation, supporting healthy estrogen metabolism, supporting progesterone levels, supporting the immune system, minimizing hormone-disrupting products and focusing on nutrition, lifestyle and stress management.

Seeking guidance from a qualified health practitioner like me ensures a personalised approach tailored to your needs. Please book a complimentary 15-minute consultation to learn more about how we can assist you today.

References:

Zhang P, Wang G. Progesterone Resistance in Endometriosis: Current Evidence and Putative Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Apr 10;24(8):6992. doi: 10.3390/ijms24086992. PMID: 37108154; PMCID: PMC10138736.

Rumph JT, Stephens VR, Archibong AE, Osteen KG, Bruner-Tran KL. Environmental Endocrine Disruptors and Endometriosis. Adv Anat Embryol Cell Biol. 2020;232:57-78. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-51856-1_4. PMID: 33278007; PMCID: PMC7978485.

Qin R, Tian G, Liu J, Cao L. The gut microbiota and endometriosis: From pathogenesis to diagnosis and treatment. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2022 Nov 24;12:1069557. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1069557. PMID: 36506023; PMCID: PMC9729346.

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