Endometriosis Treatment Options

Endometriosis is a version of endometrial hyperplasia or the slathering of the uterine lining. This can cause many women to not be able to become pregnant and is known for the excruciating abdominal pains and cramps that are associated with the disease. There is no known cause for endometriosis, but many medications and treatments are available for the symptoms. This normally occurs in women between the ages of 26 and 40, but has been known to affect younger and older women who have had their first or last menstrual cycle. Some women have been cured by the following steps but these steps are not guaranteed as they may not work for every woman.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue which normally grows inside the uterus also grows in other locations. This growth is referred to as endometriosis implants. Usually the tissue grows in the fallopian tubes and the ovaries. It may also occur in the abdominal cavity, including the intestines and rarely in the lungs. The cause is not known. The main symptom is pain, which may occur in the pelvic area, stomach or any location where the implants have grown. Other symptoms may include, diarrhea or constipation, heavy menstrual bleeding, painful intercourse and possibly infertility.

1. Take pain medication. The severity of endometriosis may vary depending on the extent of theendometriosis implants. It may also vary from month to month. Over-the-counter
anti-inflammatory medication such as naproxen may reduce pain. The medication does not get rid of the implants, but it can reduce discomfort.

2. A natural way to relieve symptoms associated with endometriosis is through dietary changes. Eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce levels of prostaglandins, which sometimes helps decrease pain. Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids include salmon and artichokes.

Reducing your intake of foods containing certain chemicals, such as dioxin, may also help reduce endometriosis and its symptoms. Dioxin is found in some dairy products, such as whole milk and fatty red meats. Switch to lean meats and fat free dairy products.

3. Placing a heating pad on your pelvic area may reduce cramping and pain. Relaxing in a warm bath may also help. The warmth helps relax the muscles, which may reduce cramping.

4. Consider hormone therapy. Birth control pills that contain the hormones estrogen and progesterone may be prescribed. The pills prevent ovulation and reduce the endometrial tissue growth, including the implants. Although it's not a permanent cure, birth control pills can help treat heavy bleeding and pain. When women go off the birth control pill, the endometriosis may come back. Although not all women have side effects taking birth control pills, they are a possibility and may include weight gain and nausea.

5. Have surgery. For women who have severe endometriosis, which is causing a lot of pain or interfering with the ability to become pregnant, surgery may be recommended to relieve symptoms. Surgery may be performed to remove the endometriosis implants. This is usually done through a laparoscopy procedure using a laser to remove the growths. It's possible for the endometriosis to return over time. A hysterectomy, which involves removing the uterus, is another surgical option to treat severe symptoms. However, it will prevent a woman from becoming pregnant.

6. Try herbal medicine. Pure herbal medicine is a new natural treatment of endometriosis. It has been approved that a traditional Chinese medicine which is called "Fuyan Pill" works well in endometriosis patients. Many suffers feedback that symptoms relieved within the first week during the treatment.