How to treat endometriosis

No matter what your abuela says her vicks cure all remedy won’t cure your endometriosis. Currently there isn’t an endometriosis cure (insert tears here). Endo is a very difficult condition to treat since it affects every person differently. When it comes to treating endo sometimes it can feel like you're forced to choose your own adventure. Endometriosis treatments range from taking medications, surgeries to making some radical lifestyle changes.

I'm not a medical professional nor is this medical advice. Below is a list of treatments people with endometriosis are commonly suggested by their doctors. I recommend doing your own research and talking to your physicians about what options might work best for you.

Treatment options

Endometriosis Diet

To help manage these endometriosis symptoms many doctors suggest making changes to your diet. Although there is no one-size-fits-all diet for endometriosis, some doctors recommend the Mediterranean diet, the low FODMAP diet, or an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce inflammation.

Many endometriosis patients have found relief by reducing or eliminating dairy, red meat, and gluten from their diets. However, it's important to remember that every person is unique and what works for one may not work for another. It's also important to note that these diets may not be culturally inclusive for everyone. That's why it's recommended to work with a nutritionist to find the right combination of foods that works best for you. By tracking your diet and symptoms, you can determine which foods help improve your endometriosis symptoms and which foods may be causing flare-ups.

Exercise

Endometriosis can be a debilitating condition, but staying active can be a powerful tool in managing it. Exercise can help increase energy levels and lower inflammation, which can reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Low-impact workouts such as walking, yoga, pilates, and even a salsa class can be effective in managing endometriosis symptoms.

Acupuncture & Eastern medicine

Acupuncture and eastern medicine may be just what you need. These ancient practices have been known to help regulate periods, hormones, sleep, and even infertility in endometriosis warriors.

What's great about eastern medicine is that it focuses on getting to the root of the issue, rather than just treating the symptoms. This holistic approach addresses the whole person, rather than just the symptoms of endometriosis. Acupuncture uses thin needles to stimulate specific points on the body to balance the flow of energy, reduce inflammation and improve circulation. If needles aren't for you, there are still other techniques and supplements that can be used to help with endometriosis.

When looking for an acupuncturist, it's important to find one who specializes in women's reproductive issues.

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Endometriosis can cause a variety of symptoms including pain during sex, bladder and bowel problems, and even infertility. These symptoms can be debilitating and negatively impact your daily life. Pelvic floor therapy is a type of physical therapy that can help alleviate these symptoms and improve the overall quality of life for endometriosis warriors.

Pelvic floor therapy focuses on the muscles and tissues of the pelvic area and can help with a variety of endo-related issues.

Excision Surgery

Endometriosis Excision surgery is a treatment option that can effectively remove endometrial tissue growths and adhesions that may have formed. It is considered the gold standard of treatment as it allows for complete removal of the abnormal tissue, which can improve symptoms and reduce the likelihood of recurrence in the same area. However the endo could still pop up elsewhere in body. Although endometriosis surgery excision is the gold standard it is not a cure.

It's important to note that not all surgeons are equally skilled in performing excision surgery, so it's crucial to find an expert who specializes in this procedure. These surgeons have the most experience and training in removing endometrial tissue growths and are best equipped to handle the complexities and challenges of the procedure. The number of specialists in this field is limited, so it's important to do your research and find a surgeon with a proven track record of success before going under the knife. Make sure to ask questions and understand the procedure and recovery process before making a decision.

Medications

There are various treatment options available to help manage the symptoms of endometriosis. Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hormonal therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation, and slow the growth of endometrial tissue. However, it is important to understand that these medications do not address the underlying cause of the condition and may have side effects.

It's important to remember that endometriosis is a full-body condition, so it's important to manage all aspects of your health in order to find relief. This may include working with a healthcare professional to explore different treatment options and make an individualized plan that works for you. It's also important to be aware of your body's warning signs and make adjustments as necessary.