Endometriosis is a condition in which the cells from the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) also grow else where in the abdominal cavity. It can produce a host of different symptoms, including:
* Incapacitating pain in the uterus, lower back, and organs in the pelvic cavity prior to and during the menses
* Intermittent pain throughout the menstrual cycle
* Painful intercourse
* Excessive bleeding, including the passing of large clots and shreds of tissue during the menses
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Constipation during the menses
* Infertility
Because menstruation is typically heavy, iron deficiency anemia is common.
Vulnerability to endometriosis seems to run in families, it often passes from mom to daughter.
Growths of endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity occur most often in or on the:
* Ovaries
* Fallopian tubes
* Urinary bladder
* Bowel
* Pelvic floor
* Peritoneum (the membrane that lines the walls of the abdominal cavity)
The most common site of endometriosis is believed to be the deep pelvic peritoneal cavity, or the cul-de-sac.
During the normal menstrual cycle, a continually changing hormonal environment stimulates the endometrium to grow in preparation for a possible pregnancy. This also causes an egg to ripen within one of the ovaries and an egg is released. If the egg is not fertilized within 24 hours or so the uterine lining proceeds to “die,” to be sloughed off, and to pass through the vagina during the menses.
Though not inside the uterus, the abnormal implants of endometriosis also respond to the hormonal changes controlling menstruation. These fragments build tissue each month, then break down and bleed. However, blood from the implants has no way to leave the body. Instead, it must be absorbed by surrounding tissue, which is a comparatively slow process. In the meantime, the blood accumulates in body cavities. The entire sequence, from bleeding through absorption, can be painful.
As month after month passes, the implants may get bigger. They may seed new implants and form localized scar tissue and adhesions, scar tissue that attaches to pelvic organs and binds them together. This contributes to the pain of endometriosis, and it can cause extreme pain in a subsequent pregnancy, as the uterus enlarges and the organs within the abdomen are pushed into different positions.
Because endometriosis depends on hormonal cycles, and pregnancy temporarily interrupts those cycles, many women find their symptoms improve during pregnancy. In other cases, however, the relief is only temporary, and once the hormonal cycles return to normal, the symptoms of endometriosis recur.Sometimes a collection of blood called a sac or cyst forms. Endometrial or “chocolate” cysts are common on the ovaries. These are usually found to contain moderate amounts of oxidized blood, which looks something like chocolate syrup. If a cyst ruptures, it can cause excruciating pain.
In traditional Chinese and Oriental medicine, the health of the endometrium is closely linked with liver health – as the liver plays an important part in removing toxins from the body, as well as maintaining the health of the immune system.
Eating foods that are understood to be liver-weakening is therefore to be avoided. Refined foods– especially those containing wheat flour, sugar, caffeine, or that are deep fried (as well as ice-cold drinks)– all compromise liver functioning and should be avoided by everyone, especially women wishing to support endometrial health. Stress is also a big enemy of liver health, and in Chinese medicine, the liver is considered the most emotion-sensitive organ of the body.
In addition, caution should be exercised in the use of conventional medicines, including NSAID’s, as these are potentially harmful to the liver and kidneys. By supporting liver and hormonal health, traditional Chinese Medicine can help to maintain the health of the endometrium and support regular and comfortable periods.
