ENDOMETRIOSIS
Description
Body System
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[15] Nodler JL, DiVasta AD, Vitonis AF, Karevicius S, Malsch M, Sarda V, Fadayomi A, Harris HR, Missmer SA. Supplementation with vitamin D or ω-3 fatty acids in adolescent girls and young women with endometriosis (SAGE): a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2020 Jul 1;112(1):229-236.
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[17] Gazvani MR, Smith L, Haggarty P, Fowler PA, Templeton A. High omega-3:omega-6 fatty acid ratios in culture medium reduce endometrial-cell survival in combined endometrial gland and stromal cell cultures from women with and without endometriosis. Fertil Steril. 2001 Oct;76(4):717-22.
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[19] Arem H, Neuhouser ML, Irwin ML, Cartmel B, Lu L, Risch H, Mayne ST, Yu H. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid intakes and endometrial cancer risk in a population-based case-control study. Eur J Nutr. 2013 Apr;52(3):1251-60.
[20] Hopeman MM, Riley JK, Frolova AI, Jiang H, Jungheim ES. Serum Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Endometriosis. Reprod Sci. 2015 Sep;22(9):1083-7.
[21] Pereira FEXG, Medeiros FDC, Rocha HAL, Silva KSD. Effects of omega-6/3 and omega-9/6 nutraceuticals on pain and fertility in peritoneal endometriosis in rats. Acta Cir Bras. 2019 May 6;34(4):e201900405.
[22] Kakaiy A, Ayen E, Sadrkhanlou R, Sarrafzadeh Rezaei F. Comparing protective effect of grape seed extract versus atorvastatin on endometriosis in rat model: Evidence for immunohistochemical and biochemical alterations. Vet Res Forum. 2015 Spring;6(2):101-10.
[23] Ji S, Fattahi A, Raffel N, et al. Antioxidant effect of aqueous extract of four plants with therapeutic potential on gynecological diseases; Semen persicae, Leonurus cardiaca, Hedyotis diffusa, and Curcuma zedoaria. Eur J Med Res. 2017;22(1):50. Published 2017 Nov 25.
[24] Amirsalari S, Behboodi Moghadam Z, Taghizadeh Z, et al. The Effect of Garlic Tablets on the Endometriosis-Related Pains: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021;2021:5547058. Published 2021 Jul 20.
[25] Kim KH, Park JK, Choi YW, Kim YH, Lee EN, Lee JR, Kim HS, Baek SY, Kim BS, Lee KS, Yoon S. Hexane extract of aged black garlic reduces cell proliferation and attenuates the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM‑1 in TNF-α-activated human endometrial stromal cells. Int J Mol Med. 2013 Jul;32(1):67-78.
[26] Galeone C, Pelucchi C, Dal Maso L, Negri E, Montella M, Zucchetto A, Talamini R, La Vecchia C. Allium vegetables intake and endometrial cancer risk. Public Health Nutr. 2009 Sep;12(9):1576-9.
[27] Bayan L, Koulivand PH, Gorji A. Garlic: a review of potential therapeutic effects. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2014;4(1):1-14.
[28] Jafari F, Tabarrai M, Abbassian A, Jafari F, Ayati MH. Effect of Garlic (Allium sativum) Supplementation on Premenstrual Disorders: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021;2021:9965064. Published 2021 Nov 1.
[29] Jiang I, Yong PJ, Allaire C, Bedaiwy MA. Intricate Connections between the Microbiota and Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 May 26;22(11):5644.
[30] Chenoll E, Moreno I, Sánchez M, Garcia-Grau I, Silva Á, González-Monfort M, Genovés S, Vilella F, Seco-Durban C, Simón C, Ramón D. Selection of New Probiotics for Endometrial Health. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2019 Apr 17;9:114.
[31] Chadchan SB, Popli P, Ambati CR, Tycksen E, Han SJ, Bulun SE, Putluri N, Biest SW, Kommagani R. Gut microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids protect against the progression of endometriosis. Life Sci Alliance. 2021 Sep 30;4(12):e202101224.
[32] Khodaverdi S, Mohammadbeigi R, Khaledi M, et al. Beneficial Effects of Oral Lactobacillus on Pain Severity in Women Suffering from Endometriosis: A Pilot Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Fertil Steril. 2019;13(3):178-183.
[33] Yalçın Bahat P, Ayhan I, Üreyen Özdemir E, İnceboz Ü, Oral E. Dietary supplements for treatment of endometriosis: A review. Acta Biomed. 2022 Mar 14;93(1):e2022159.
[34] Itoh H, Sashihara T, Hosono A, Kaminogawa S, Uchida M. Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2809 inhibits development of ectopic endometrial cell in peritoneal cavity via activation of NK cells in a murine endometriosis model. Cytotechnology. 2011;63(2):205-210.
[35] Anastasi E, Scaramuzzino S, Viscardi MF, Viggiani V, Piccioni MG, Cacciamani L, Merlino L, Angeloni A, Muzii L, Porpora MG. Efficacy of N-acetylcysteine on endometriosis-related pain, size reduction of ovarian endometriomas, and fertility outcomes. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2023 Mar 7;20(6):4686.
[36] Porpora MG, Brunelli R, Costa G, Imperiale L, Krasnowska EK, Lundeberg T, Nofroni I, Piccioni MG, Pittaluga E, Ticino A, Parasassi T. A promise in the treatment of endometriosis: an observational cohort study on ovarian endometrioma reduction by N-acetylcysteine. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013 Oct;2013.
[37] Abbas MA, Taha MO, Disi AM, Shomaf M. Regression of endometrial implants treated with vitamin D3 in a rat model of endometriosis. European journal of pharmacology. 2013 Sep 5;715(1-3):72-5.
[38] Yarmolinskaya M, Denisova A, Tkachenko N, Ivashenko T, Bespalova O, Tolibova G, Tral T. Vitamin D significance in pathogenesis of endometriosis. Gynecological Endocrinology. 2021 Dec 20;37(sup1):40-3.
[39] Mehdizadehkashi A, Rokhgireh S, Tahermanesh K, Eslahi N, Minaeian S, Samimi M. The effect of vitamin D supplementation on clinical symptoms and metabolic profiles in patients with endometriosis. Gynecological Endocrinology. 2021 Jul 3;37(7):640-5.
[40] Schwertner A, Dos Santos CC, Costa GD, Deitos A, de Souza A, de Souza IC, Torres IL, da Cunha Filho JS, Caumo W. Efficacy of melatonin in the treatment of endometriosis: a phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. PAIN®. 2013 Jun 1;154(6):874-81.
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[42] Onuma T, Mizutani T, Fujita Y, Ohgami N, Ohnuma S, Kato M, Yoshida Y. Zinc deficiency is associated with the development of ovarian endometrial cysts. American Journal of Cancer Research. 2023;13(3):1049.
[43] Lai GL, Yeh CC, Yeh CY, Chen RY, Fu CL, Chen CH, Tzeng CR. Decreased zinc and increased lead blood levels are associated with endometriosis in Asian Women. Reproductive Toxicology. 2017 Dec 1;74:77-84.
[44] Chen X, Man GC, Hung SW, Zhang T, Fung LW, Cheung CW, Chung JP, Li TC, Wang CC. Therapeutic effects of green tea on endometriosis. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2023 Jul 15;63(18):3222-35.
[45] Xu H, Lui WT, Chu CY, Ng PS, Wang CC, Rogers MS. Anti-angiogenic effects of green tea catechin on an experimental endometriosis mouse model. Human reproduction. 2009 Mar 1;24(3):608-18.
[46] Zhang Y, Cao H, Yu Z, Peng HY, Zhang CJ. Curcumin inhibits endometriosis endometrial cells by reducing estradiol production. Iranian journal of reproductive medicine. 2013 May;11(5):415.
[47] Savant PB, Kareppa MS, Shinde AU. Effects of curcumin in management of endometriosis a hormonal disorder disease in female. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2021;13(4):182-6.
[48] Xu Y, Zhao W, Li T, Zhao Y, Bu H, Song S. Effects of acupuncture for the treatment of endometriosis-related pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2017 Oct 27;12(10):e0186616.
[49] Rubi-Klein K, Kucera-Sliutz E, Nissel H, Bijak M, Stockenhuber D, Fink M, Wolkenstein E. Is acupuncture in addition to conventional medicine effective as pain treatment for endometriosis?: A randomised controlled cross-over trial. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology. 2010 Nov 1;153(1):90-3.
[50] Mansfield C, Lenobel D, McCracken K, Hewitt G, Appiah LC. Impact of pelvic floor physical therapy on function in adolescents and young adults with biopsy-confirmed endometriosis at a tertiary children's hospital: a case series. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. 2022 Dec 1;35(6):722-7.
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1. Vitamin C: Vitamin C strengthens immune function and reduces oxidative stress, which may help alleviate pelvic pain and inflammation, supporting overall well-being.
2. Vitamin E: Vitamin E supports immune health and reduces oxidative damage, helping lower inflammation and alleviate discomfort, contributing to overall pelvic health.
3. Omega 3: Omega-3 reduces inflammation by modulating prostaglandins like PGE2, helping to ease pain and support pelvic health through its anti-inflammatory effects.
4. Borage Oil: Borage oil, rich in GLA, reduces inflammation by modulating prostaglandins like PGE2, offering relief from discomfort and promoting pelvic health.
5. Evening Primrose Oil: Evening primrose oil, high in GLA, reduces inflammation by influencing prostaglandins like PGE2, helping to relieve discomfort and improve pelvic well-being.
6. Probiotics: Probiotics support gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria, which may reduce systemic inflammation and help manage discomfort.
7. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine [NAC]: N-acetyl-L-cysteine’s antioxidant properties help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, alleviating pain and potentially improving fertility.
8. Vitamin D: Vitamin D regulates immune function and inflammation, potentially reducing pain and supporting a healthier inflammatory response.
9. Melatonin: Melatonin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, offering relief from discomfort and improving symptoms associated with the condition.
10. Zinc: Zinc supports immune function, promotes DNA repair, and may help prevent cyst formation by reducing inflammation and supporting overall cellular health.
1. Garlic Extract: Garlic’s antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory properties may help inhibit the growth of endometrial cells, reducing pain and inflammation linked to the condition.
2. Grapefruit Seed Extract: Grapefruit seed inhibits the growth of displaced endometrial tissue, similar to atorvastatin, potentially easing symptoms like pain and inflammation.
3. Green Tea Extract: Green tea catechins, particularly EGCG, may slow the progression of the condition by reducing inflammation and blood vessel formation, providing relief from pain.
4. Epigallocatechin Gallate [EGCG]: Epigallocatechin gallate from green tea inhibits the growth of endometrial tissue by limiting blood vessel formation and reducing inflammation, which may help alleviate symptoms.
5. Curcumin: Curcumin reduces pain and inflammation by inhibiting key pathways like NF-kB and COX-2, while its antioxidative properties protect tissues from oxidative stress. This dual action helps alleviate discomfort and manage symptoms effectively.
No replicated and convincing research studies are available, and there is no anecdotal evidence supporting the effectiveness of this method.
1. Acupuncture: Acupuncture stimulates points like SP6 (Sanyinjiao), located above the ankle, and LV3 (Taichong), found between the big toe and second toe, helping modulate pain perception and reduce inflammation, offering symptom relief.
2. Pelvic Floor Therapy: Pelvic floor therapy uses targeted exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing, pelvic floor muscle relaxation, and stretching to strengthen and relax the pelvic muscles. These movements help reduce tension, improve muscle coordination, and alleviate pain and discomfort.
Supplements
Plant Extracts
Natural Compounds
Alternative Treatments
Symptoms & Signs
Causes
Retrogate Menstrual Flow
Books That You May Want To Read
How Nutrients Function
Fatty Acids: Fatty acids serve as energy sources, structural components of cell membranes, and precursors to signaling molecules. Essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, play critical roles in brain function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation regulation.
Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.
Other Nutrients: Other nutrients encompass a wide array of essential compounds crucial for various physiological functions. This category includes neurotransmitters and their precursors, which facilitate nerve signaling and are vital for central nervous system function. Additionally, naturally occurring structural components and biological detergents, such as phospholipids and bile salts, play critical roles in tissue repair, fat digestion, and overall bodily function. Phospholipids contribute to cell membrane integrity and fat emulsification, while bile salts are key to digesting and absorbing dietary fats. Hormones and their precursors regulate numerous physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Furthermore, naturally occurring chemicals and metals play pivotal roles in enzymatic reactions, immune function, and overall health maintenance.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.
Nutrients Explained In Nutritional Guide
Podcast Episodes To Listen To
Educational Videos To Learn From
Functional Lab Tests That You Might Consider
References
Things To Do
When suffering from endometriosis, it is crucial to include:
whole foods that help reduce inflammation and balance estrogen levels.
high-fiber diet helps detoxify the body, eliminate waste products, and reduce free estrogens.
Make sure your diet is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids, and flavonoids.
Consume lignan- and isoflavone-rich foods, such as flax seeds and soy products, to reduce estrogen levels.
Anti-inflammatory foods include dark leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, onions, garlic, turmeric, beets, carrots, beans, legums, berries, citrus fruits, cherries, apples, nuts, seeds, fish and sea food, meats, poultry, eggs, cold-pressed vegetable oils, whole grains [in moderation], etc.
Buy organic fresh produce and foods to reduce exposure to pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, added growth hormones, and other substances that can put hormones in imbalance.
Have a serving of vegetables with every meal. Vegetables should take up to half of your plate.
Drink a lot of water to stay hydrated.
Other recommendations include:
Stay physically active. Exercise helps reduce estrogen levels in the body.
get enough quality sleep.
Opt for safe cleaning products and natural body, hair, and skin care.
Things To Avoid
Endometriosis is a health condition that, in order to be managed well, requires the elimination of certain products from the diet, including:
gluten and gluten-containing products, which cause inflammation and impact hormone balance.
Dairy products can contribute to hormone imbalances.
sugar, sugary snacks, candy, and sweetened drinks and beverages. Sugar causes inflammation.
Processed, junk, and fast foods are known to cause inflammation in the body.
alcohol and caffeinated drinks. The intake of coffee needs to be reduced to one cup a day to prevent the worsening of the symptoms.
Furthermore, watch out for the following:
endocrine disruptors in your everyday cleaning products and skin, hair, and body care products. The most common endocrine diruptors are bibsphenols, phthalates, parabens, and triclosan. They can also be found in insecticides, herbicides, and weed killers in food. They are known as DDT and DDE.
unnecessary plastic packaging that contains bisphenols. Substitute plastic bottles with glass ones, use glass tupperware, etc.
smoking that causes inflammation.