In this article we will explore both the natural and medical treatment methods for Endometriosis and find out which options may suit you best.
Natural Treatment Options
While medical options remain the most effective in terms of endometriosis treatment, you may find some natural remedies useful too. Whether you’re looking for additional relief or you’re hoping to avoid medical treatment entirely, there are a number of natural treatments you could try.
Here, we’ll look at some of the most effective natural remedies available to treat endometriosis. Remember that before trying any of these remedies, it’s important to seek advice from your healthcare practioner.
Switch to a Low-Fat Diet
One of the simplest natural treatments for endometriosis is switching to a low-fat diet. There have been some studies carried out which have shown that chemicals known as dioxins can increase the risk and severity of the condition. To reduce your intake of these toxins, you can cut back on the saturated fats you consume.
Cutting back on red meat and high-fat dairy products can make a small difference to the symptoms you experience. Increasing your consumption of fruits and vegetables can also lower your risk of developing the condition.
Heat Therapy
If you’re looking to relieve the pain associated with endometriosis and you don’t want to turn to pain relief medications, heat therapy is a good alternative.
Placing a heat pack onto the affected area can take the pain away quickly. This is because it helps to relax the muscles within the pelvis, helping to reduce the cramps. You could also take a warm bath or use a hot water bottle.
Castor Oil
One of the most common natural treatments for endometriosis is castor oil. It’s been used for decades to treat the condition and can prove particularly effective during the beginning stages of the condition. When you first feel the cramping, massaging castor oil onto the abdomen can help to relax the muscles. It’s also said to help get rid of excess tissue.
You can apply it with a warm compress if preferred and it can also be mixed with essential oils to really relax the body.
Progesterone Cream
Another natural treatment which is frequently recommended is progesterone cream. This is said to stop the endometrial cells from proliferating. This in turn helps to slow down and, in some cases, reduce the size of uterine growth.
You can typically find this product in drug stores. It can be applied on the upper chest, wrists, inner arms or inner thighs. You should seek advice from your doctor regarding the dosage before you try it.
Turmeric
Turmeric is considered one of the best spices in terms of its health benefits. It contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties which can help to manage the symptoms of endometriosis. There has even been a small amount of evidence presented in studies to suggest it can prevent endometrial growth. You can either consume turmeric tea or take turmeric capsules if preferred.
There are a lot of natural treatments advertised to combat endometriosis and its symptoms. However, the ones mentioned above are some of the most effective you can try out.
It’s important to remember that when it comes to endometriosis treatment, the medical treatments available tend to be the most effective.
Medical Treatment Options
If you are diagnosed with endometriosis, there are some medical treatment options available. They may not entirely eliminate the symptoms, but they can at the very least help to control them.
Here, we’ll look at the most common medical treatment options for endometriosis that are currently available.
Pain Relief Medication
As endometriosis can cause extreme pain, the majority of patients tend to be provided with pain relief medication. This is especially true in mild cases of the condition where Ibuprofen tends to work quite well at eliminating the pain.
If the pain is more severe, your doctor will usually provide stronger prescription painkillers. It’s worth noting that pain medication simply masks the problem, so if the pain is severe, you may want to look into alternative treatment options.
Hormone-Related Treatments
A common medical treatment for endometriosis is hormone treatment. Taking birth control medication for example, can help to stop heavier menstrual bleeding. This in turn will reduce or completely eliminate the symptoms as they are often associated with heavier bleeding.
You may even be recommended to take the birth control pills for up to three or four months at a time. This prevents your periods from starting, giving you a few months off the symptoms.
Before taking hormonal therapy for endometriosis, it’s important to understand the risks. They can cause some side effects such as depression, weight gain, acne and irregular bleeding. So, it’s important to talk through your options with your doctor before deciding whether or not to give hormonal treatments a try.
Surgery
If the condition is causing significant pain and suffering, surgery may be carried out to remove the endometriosis. However, this type of treatment isn’t as widely used to treat the condition these days.
It involves a laparoscopic procedure which is typically used to diagnose the condition. The surgeon will usually carry out the treatment at the same time as the diagnosis. The results, however, can depend upon the skill of the surgeon. So, it’s important to make sure you’re choosing a skilled and reliable surgeon to carry out the procedure.
Which Option Is Right for You?
The treatment option recommended to you will depend upon numerous factors. The severity of the condition, alongside your age if you want children, and the side effects of the medication will all play a role in the treatment option you’re recommended.
Remember to ask about the benefits of each treatment, as well as the risks involved. Ultimately it is your body and therefore your choice how it is treated. As well as seeking medical treatments, you may also want to consider seeking emotional support. Endometriosis can play havoc on your emotions, so treating the mental health effects is just as important as treating the physical issues it presents.
There may not be a cure for endometriosis right now, but there are treatments available which can help to manage the symptoms. The above are the main types of treatments you can benefit from.