Dancing Rabbit: Newsletter: Summer '05

Although I initially thought that my life would be miserable with endo, I have actually learned a lot about the female body and myself. I now have a desire to educate women and men about endometriosis, in hopes that I can help others understand and deal with the disorder. What I offer here is only part of my experiences, and only a small shard of the complexities of dealing with this disorder.

I probably started experiencing symptoms a few years ago, but they were subtle at first and similar to what I thought was normal for regular menstruation. My symptoms, mainly in the form of severe cramping and clotting during the third and fourth days of my cycle, painful bowel movements during the onset and beginning of my cycle, and fatigue, sometimes left me doubled over in pain or unable to function effectively. Although I'm not one to take medicine until I feel it is necessary, I found myself seeking relief through over-the-counter pills. I didn't want to be so reliant on pain medicine, so I started doing research

After reading through information about women's reproductive health from a variety of sources, I became increasingly convinced that endometriosis was a very likely cause of my discomfort. Over the next several months, I read anything I could find on the subject. I attempted to discuss with one gynecologist the possibility that I had it, but was discouraged, her advice being that I needed to lessen the stress in my life and that I was not the right age to have it. This spurred me to read even more on the subject. I was determined to find a solution to my pain, and finding that would be much easier if a cause was determined.

I finally decided, after more painful cycles, that I would discuss this with another doctor. This time I was relieved to hear that my assumptions were well on target. Although a definite diagnosis can only be determined through invasive and expensive means, the doctor was convinced that my symptoms were indicative of endometriosis. After wrestling with the emotional sting of this news-- guilt, fear, anger-- I was able to hear what solutions the doctor could offer. Hormone therapy was his primary recommendation, but he also suggested that I look into possible herbal treatments.

My search for alternative solutions soon became a happy journey for me. I initially thought that I would find herbs I'd need to introduce into my diet or increase my intake of, but what I found out was fascinating. From my experience and the experience of others, I learned that foods that I was eating on a daily basis were making my condition worse. They were either directly contributing because they contain phytoestrogens, or they were indirectly contributing by weakening my immune system.

To understand it all, it's helpful to know that endo builds up over time, each cycle posing more potential damage. During a normal cycle, the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, is shed. When this doesn't happen properly, tissue can build up and get deposited in other places in the body, predominantly the abdominal cavity. (Some theories on this say that this tissue already exists in other places in the body, which becomes inflamed when estrogen levels are high.) This tissue can cause scarring, which can be quite painful and can lead to infertility as the reproductive organs are encroached upon.

There is no known cure for getting the endometrium to shed properly, so solutions are in the form of keeping the damage to a minimum. Keeping estrogen levels low can help. Removing scar tissue by a process called laparoscopy is also helpful. As I mentioned before, hormonal treatments are very common and seem to be effective. However, for women, like myself, who prefer a more natural approach, a change in diet can be a welcome alternative.

For more information about what endometriosis is and the possibility of having it, the websites below may be helpful.

For more information on foods to help deal with endo, the websites below may be helpful.

I found it helpful to minimize foods with natural estrogens and foods that may weaken my body. Animal products and soy products (especially highly processed ones; tempeh, miso and soy sauce seem fine) contain natural estrogens. I've also avoided wheat in my diet, as it contains xenoestrogens, due to poor farming practices and selective breeding. Unnatural fats, such as margarine, shortening and other hydrogenated oils weaken a person's system by actually damaging cells. Alcohol and sugar, especially refined sugars, also can contribute to weakening the immune system. Food that is grown and/or processed with harmful chemicals has also been linked to contributing to women with endometriosis, so organic foods seem to be best.

Moderation is a key factor in changing my diet to deal with endo. All of the foods mentioned above may be fine in small quantities. Particularly when I am traveling, I don't put more stress on myself to make sure none of these ingredients are in what I eat.

I also have tried increasing my intake of foods and herbs to help boost my health. Increasing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is helpful; I found ground flax seed and walnuts to be good sources. Herbal teas, such as mint, chamomile, and raspberry are also recommended. Some herbs such as ginger, evening primrose, and horsetail, may also be helpful.

I don't want to tell anyone what she should or should not eat, and I don't recommend just changing one's diet without consulting a medical professional as well. I encourage others to examine the relationship between diet and health in their own lives.

Jacque is a former member of Dancing Rabbit. She recently departed for further adventures. We look forward to return visits from her in the future.

The March Hare: Summer '05 Issue 45

The March Hare: Summer '05
Issue 45