Self-Care And Treatment Options For Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a complex condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years. It can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life.

The tissue lining the inside of the uterus is known as the endometrium. Endometriosis occurs when that tissue begins to grow outside the uterus. That misplaced tissue creates pain and discomfort in the pelvic area worse than normal menstrual cramps. It can lead to inflammation, scar formation and bands of scar tissue that often bind two organs together (adhesions).

Diagnosis often takes years because some people don’t even know they have the condition until they face infertility issues.

Because the endometriosis symptoms are different for each person and the disease can progress without knowing, it is essential to talk about any symptoms you might experience with your healthcare provider.

How Can I Manage Endometriosis Symptoms At Home?

Living with endometriosis requires a multi-faceted approach to managing your symptoms.  

Lifestyle Changes

Positive lifestyle activities can play a significant role in helping you manage your symptoms. Here’s a closer look at how diet, regular exercise and stress management techniques can contribute to your health:

• Dietary adjustments: Some women find certain foods, such as highly processed foods, worsen their endometriosis symptoms. On the other hand, diets rich in fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids and low-processed foods may help reduce inflammation and the severity of your symptoms. Track how different foods affect your body and let that guide you as you choose.
• Regular exercise: Staying active is essential to managing endometriosis pain. Exercise helps release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and promotes general well-being. Finding an activity you enjoy, such as walking, swimming or yoga, can make regular exercise a more enjoyable part of your life.
• Stress management: Managing stress effectively is a key component to help you control the symptoms of endometriosis. Incorporating specific stress-reduction techniques can make a significant difference in your overall well-being. Try to integrate mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine, as well as deep breathing exercises such as the 4-7-8 breathing method or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which effectively manages stress and anxiety.

Although these self-care strategies can provide some relief for endometriosis symptoms, they are more helpful if you use them in addition to treatment advice from your healthcare provider.

Pain Management Strategies

Managing endometriosis pain at home requires a combination of strategies. These techniques can be your go-to for reducing the pain endometriosis can bring into your life:

• Relaxation techniques: Chronic pain can lead to increased stress, which in turn can worsen pain. Techniques such as guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation can help manage stress and pain perception. Try to discover a few stress management strategies that work for you.
• Heat therapy: Applying a heating pad or warm compress to your lower abdomen can help relax muscles and reduce pelvic pain. Even taking a warm bath can help. These simple yet effective methods can offer immediate relief from discomfort.
• Over-the-counter pain relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, can offer temporary relief from menstrual pain. However, it’s important to use these medications carefully and under the advice of your healthcare provider to avoid potential side effects.

How Do Alternative And Complementary Therapies Help?

In addition to medical treatments, many women with endometriosis explore alternative and complementary therapies to help with pain relief.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, a key component of traditional Chinese medicine, involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points of the body. While more research is needed to understand how acupuncture works, some women report significant pain relief and improved quality of life after acupuncture.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be an effective way to manage pelvic pain associated with endometriosis. Physical therapists specializing in pelvic pain use techniques such as pelvic floor muscle relaxation, manual therapy and targeted exercises to reduce pain, improve movement and enhance pelvic function.

Herbal Supplements

Some people with endometriosis turn to supplements to help manage their symptoms naturally. Researchers have studied herbs such as curcumin (turmeric), omega-3 fatty acids and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for their anti-inflammatory properties and potential to reduce pain. However, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider before starting any herbal supplement, as some can interact with medications or have side effects.

What Medical Treatment Options Are Available For Endometriosis?

Several medical treatment options can reduce symptoms and address the root causes of pain caused by endometriosis.

From medications aimed at reducing inflammation and managing hormone levels to surgical interventions for more severe cases, we tailor treatments to your individual needs. Each approach can offer relief and improve your quality of life.

Medication

Medications play a role in managing the symptoms of endometriosis. They can offer relief from pain and help to regulate your menstrual cycle.  

• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen and ibuprofen, are commonly prescribed to reduce menstrual pain and the inflammation associated with endometriosis. They are often the first line of treatment for managing pain symptoms.
• Hormonal treatments: These treatments can help control the hormonal changes that contribute to the growth of endometrial tissue. Options include birth control pills, progestins and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. Each of these medications works in different ways to help manage symptoms.
• Other medications: Your doctor may recommend other medicines for specific pain or symptoms not addressed by NSAIDs or hormonal treatments. These can include neuropathic pain medications or, in some cases, off-label use of certain drugs to target the unique pain caused by endometriosis.

Surgical Options

People with endometriosis who cannot manage their symptoms with medication may consider surgical options. Here’s an overview of the surgical interventions available:

• Laparoscopy: This minimally invasive surgery, also used to diagnose endometriosis, can remove endometrial lesions or scar tissue. It’s often the preferred method due to its lower risk and faster recovery time.
• Excision surgery: This procedure involves the precise removal of endometriosis-related scar tissue. It can be more thorough than laparoscopy for extensive endometriosis. Surgeons preserve as much healthy tissue as possible.
• Hysterectomy: In severe cases where other treatments have not been successful, and pain is debilitating, or if the patient does not wish to preserve fertility, a hysterectomy — the removal of the uterus — may be considered as a last resort.

“The recovery time is dependent on the type of surgery. Not all laparoscopic surgery even needs to be a robotic type of surgery. Some can do just regular laparoscopy. Typically, women are back on their feet within about four or five days,” said John R Monk, DO, an OBGYN with Franciscan Physician Network in Crown Point.

Do Hormonal Therapies Help With Endometriosis?

Hormone therapies can help manage endometriosis. These hormonal therapies include:

• Birth control pills: By regulating or eliminating menstrual periods, birth control pills can lessen the monthly buildup and shedding of endometrial tissue. In doing so, it can help reduce or even prevent the pain associated with endometriosis.
• GnRH agonists: These drugs work by temporarily putting the body in a “menopausal” state, reducing estrogen levels, which slows the growth of endometrial tissue.
• Progestins: Progestins act like the hormone progesterone and can help shrink endometrial tissue, reducing pain and bleeding.

Prescription medicine has side effects, so you need to work with your healthcare provider.

How Can Emotional Support Help With Endometriosis?

Endometriosis may impact your emotional well-being, leading to sleep and nutrition problems and feelings of anxiety and depression.

Support groups can offer a unique opportunity to share experiences and challenges with others who truly understand the complexity of living with endometriosis

Counseling offers a one-on-one setting where individuals can talk about the emotional impacts of endometriosis with a trained professional. Therapists can introduce coping mechanisms, stress management techniques and strategies to improve mental resilience.

Understand Your Symptoms And Seek Help To Manage Endometriosis

By understanding and recording your symptoms, you can have a more productive conversation with your healthcare provider. That information allows your provider to create a treatment plan that best suits your needs. From tracking your symptoms to documenting your menstrual cycle and preparing a list of questions, your preparation lays the groundwork for an informed and comprehensive discussion about your health.

For a deeper dive into preparing for your doctor’s appointment, including detailed tips and strategies, read our guide on endometriosis symptoms, risk factors and how to prepare for your doctor’s appointment.

If you think you may have endometriosis, Dr. Monk has this suggestion: Talk to your doctor or your healthcare provider so you can explore your treatment options and add self-care strategies to your daily routine.

“If you are concerned or are having a lot of difficulty with menstrual cycles, to talk to your doctor,” he said. “There's so much that we can do to make cycles much better, with or without medicine or surgery, it takes starting a discussion with your doctor.”

Remember, you’re not alone; by seeking the best care and support, you can navigate the challenges of endometriosis and improve your quality of life.