What Kind of Treatments are Available for Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when tissue similar to the inside lining of the uterus is found outside of its normal location. Once a diagnosis of endometriosis has been made, treatment falls into the following categories:

Observation: After an evaluation and before beginning hormonal therapy, you and your gynecology (GYN) team may decide to keep track of your symptoms and try mild pain medicine. This is usually the first step for girls with premenarcheal endometriosis (who are too young to have had their first period).

Medical Suppression: Hormonal treatment such as birth control pills containing estrogen and progesterone taken continuously (to stop periods) relieves symptoms in many patients. A second treatment is progesterone medicine alone. This comes as a progestin–only birth control pill in a pill pack, or as a regular pill that comes in a bottle (Norethindrone acetate). Another type of medication is a GnRH agonist, such as Leuprolide acetate. This medicine works by shutting off hormones made by the ovaries and temporarily stops your period. The use of GnRH agonist therapy lowers your body's estrogen level (one of the hormones that cause your body to have periods). This medicine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used for 6 months at a time. If used for over 6 months, studies have found that it can cause changes in bone density. When GnRH agonist therapy is needed for longer than 6 months, it is used with “add-back” therapy to protect your bones.

Surgery: At the time of your laparoscopy, your surgeon will likely destroy any endometriosis tissue that can be seen. After this procedure, many young women find relief from symptoms. Most say that their pain is better, but not completely gone. Remember, there is no known cure for endometriosis. Many young women may experience pain again.

Lifestyle Changes: Dealing with chronic pelvic pain can be challenging. Exercising often helps to relieve or lessen pelvic pain and menstrual cramps. Eating a balanced diet and getting enough rest also helps your body manage pain. Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation help to ease pain too.

Pain Treatment Services: Many centers work closely with other healthcare providers in programs that provide treatment and support for acute and chronic pain. Following an evaluation, services such as biofeedback, physical therapy, TENS (transcutaneous electrical stimulation), and exercise programs may be offered.

Complementary Medicine: Acupuncture, homeopathy, and healing touch are among popular "alternative approaches" to medical treatment. Many of these therapies can be helpful; however, not every alternative approach has been scientifically proven to be safe and effective. Research studies are limited. Before experimenting with any alternative therapy, make sure that you are working with a licensed provider that has been referred to you.

Herbal remedy: A kind of herbal medicine named Fuyan Pill which is from Wuhan Dr. Lee’s TCM Clinic can treat endometriosis effectively. For most patients who take Fuyan Pill to treat their endometriosis, three to four months medication is appropriate for them to get a full recovery. With a required diet, the successful rate of curing endometriosis with Fuyan Pill is higher than 80% according to clinical data. The big advantage of this treatment is that it can eradicate endometriosis and doesn’t have any side effects.