Endometriosis
Abnormal Endometrial Growth — Causes, Symptoms & Homeopathic Treatment
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue similar to that which lines the innermost layer of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. Endometrial tissue is shed each month during menstruation. This blood has no way to exit, it becomes trapped and form a cyst called endometrial cyst.
Areas of endometrial tissue found in ectopic locations are called endometrial implants. These lesions are most commonly found on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, the surface of the uterus, the bowel, and on the membrane lining of the pelvic cavity (i.e. the peritoneum).
Ovaries
Fallopian Tubes
Uterine Surface
Bowel
They are less commonly found to involve the vagina, cervix, and bladder. Rarely, endometriosis can occur outside the pelvis. Endometriosis has been reported in the liver, brain, lung, and old surgical scars.
If the endometrial tissue is within an ovary, that ovary will fill with blood. These are called endometriomas and are cysts in the ovary filled with old blood. This old blood has the appearance of thin chocolate, so it is also called chocolate cysts of the ovary.
An elevated Ca-125 is often associated with endometriosis.
Endometriosis can cause pain — sometimes severe — especially during your period.
Endometriosis and Infertility
How Endometriosis Causes Infertility
The mechanisms by which endometriosis may cause infertility is not clearly understood, particularly when the extent of endometriosis is low. Still possible mechanisms include:
Anatomical distortions and adhesions (the fibrous bands that form between tissues and organs following recovery from an injury)
The release of factors from endometriotic cysts which are detrimental to gametes or embryos. An endometriotic cyst contains free iron, reactive oxygen species, proteolytic enzymes and inflammatory molecules.
Severe endometriosis causes pelvic scarring and distortion of pelvic anatomy. The tubes can become damaged or blocked and the ovaries often contain cysts of endometriosis (endometriomas) and may become adherent to the uterus, bowel or pelvic side wall.
Any of these anatomic distortions can result in infertility. In some cases the eggs in the ovaries can be damaged, resulting in decreased ovarian reserve and reduced egg quantity and quality.
Location of Implants
Ovaries
Fallopian tubes
Uterine surface
Bowel
Bladder
Rectum
Peritoneum
Rare: spine, nose, lungs, lymph nodes, forearm, thigh
Process of Endometriosis
Monthly Cycle
Each month, endometrial implants fill with blood, thicken, break down, and bleed.
Products of the endometrial process cannot be shed through the vagina. Instead, the implants develop into collections of blood that form cysts.
Lesions may grow as the cycle continues.
Chocolate Cyst or Endometrioma
The ovary is a common site for endometriosis. When endometriosis involves the ovary, the area of endometrial tissue may grow and bleed, forming a brown-colored cystic area referred to as a chocolate cyst or endometrioma.
Causes of Endometriosis
Unknown — Exact cause is still unknown
Theories of the cause:
Retrograde Menstruation
Exposure to Estrogen
Impaired Immune System
Inflammatory Response
Signs and Symptoms
Dysmenorrhea
Pelvic pain & cramping before menses
Pain with intercourse
Pain with bowel/urination
Excessive bleeding
Fatigue, nausea, bloating
Infertility
Infertility is main complication of endometriosis
Distort the anatomy of the pelvis
Block the egg's passage in tubes
Adhesions prevent egg transfer
Prevent release of the egg
Hormonal & Ovulatory Abnormalities
Impaired Implantation
How can we prevent endometriosis?
You can't prevent endometriosis. But you can reduce your chances of developing it by lowering the levels of the hormone estrogen in your body.
Exercise regularly
More than 4 hours a week
Avoid large amounts of alcohol
Avoid large amounts of caffeine
Food to Avoid
Wheat
Phytic acid & gluten
Red meats
Refined sugar & chocolate
Dairy products
Eggs — dioxin
Fried foods
Refined carbohydrates
Diet to Reduce Symptoms
Dark green vegetables
High fiber diet
Brown rice, oatmeal
Omega-3 fats
Ginger, garlic, onions
Organic produce & meat
TREATMENT
There are medicines in homoeopathy to:
To inactivate the extra endometrial tissue
To absorb the endometrial products
To dissolve the scar tissue and addition
To modulate estrogen levels
Get Natural Treatment for Endometriosis
Dr. R.K. Singh offers effective homeopathic treatment for endometriosis. Book your consultation today.