So by now you all know I am constantly on the lookout for a natural remedy to ease my pain and symptoms of Endo. I constantly come up against people who only believe in one or the other types of medicine I.E. Herbal/Natural versus Conventional.
I don't think one out ways the other and each Woman will find out what suits them best. I have yet to find a complete "treatment" that works for myself but it does not stop me from continuing on in my quest.
You are all probably familiar with the conventional treatments and may have undergone some of these but I'm going to just do a short list to refresh everyone's minds about the treatments that are commonly suggested by your OBGYN or G.P
- The use of Iboprofen, Naproxen, and other antiprostaglandins or NSAID's that are available on prescription to decrease pain and inflammation when needed.
- Medical/hormonal management with contraceptive methods such as birth control pills/ OCP's, patch or ring, Mirena coil, or Depo-Provera injections, which have synthetic progestins that can help block the stimulation of Endometriosis implants. Hormonal treatments such as Danazol or Lupron temporarily stop menstruation, block oestrogen and shrink implants.InjectionMirena Coil/IUD
- In severe/extreme cases of Endo surgery may be a more suitable option, or your only one depending on the circumstances. There generally are three options here;
- Surgical removal or lasering of the tissue implants, Endometrial ablation* and total or partial hysterectomy.
*Endometrial ablation ~ Endometrial ablation is a procedure that destroys (ablates) the uterine lining, or endometrium. This procedure is used to treat dysfunctional or abnormal uterine bleeding. Sometimes a lighted viewing instrument (hysteroscope) is used to see inside the uterus. Endometrial ablation can be done by:
- Laser beam (laser thermal ablation).
- Heat (thermal ablation), using:
- Radiofrequency.
- A balloon filled with saline solution that has been heated to 85�C (185�F)(thermal balloon ablation).
- Normal saline (heated free fluid).
- Electricity, using a resectoscope with a loop or rolling ball electrode.
- Freezing.
- Microwave.
The endometrium heals by scarring, which usually reduces or prevents uterine bleeding.
(Brought to you by Web MD)
Now for some Natural Remedies
Many people suggest a herbal tea up to five times a day for period pain. I remember year's ago a member of my family suggesting Nettle tea. I got this in a health store. It was Blackberry and Nettle infused (similar to the above) and tasted quite bitter. I didn't find it completely cleared me of pain but instead seemed to make the pain a little more bearable.
It's effectiveness varies by each case but it's not harmful, has no side effects and is natural so if you're looking for something different you can give this and those I'm about to list a go.
One of the remedies sweeping the Country at the moment is Caster Oil Packs.
Castor Oil Therapy involves the use of warmed caster oil on a cloth, placed over the abdomen or pelvic area to stimulate blood flow to the area. This natural method has been used to treat many disorders including gynaecological problems related to infertility like Endo, fibroids, PCOS (polycystic ovarian sydrome) etc.
Castor Oil Therapy is also reported to break down scar tissue and adhesions. It has this effect by loosening up masses and drawing out toxins as deep as 8cm. (Revised from http://www.natural-health-for-fertility.com/castor-oil-therapy.html)
Some women have found acupuncture (above) and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) to be very effective in the treatment of their Endo and many have found relief using these techniques.
Other women find that Aromatherapy helps relieve their symptoms. Oils such as Sage, Cyrpess, Fennel, Bergamot and Geranium have proved effective for some with Endo.
As always, remember there is as yet no cure for Endo but many treatments both conventional and natural.
Finding what suits you best is your goal not what others tell you works for them.
Stay strong my Endo Sisters.
