Homeopathy for endometriosis has been greatly effective. Every patient of endometriosis has unique set of causes. Homeopathic treatment tackles the precise causes of endometriosis. With this comprehensive coverage on Endometriosis we've covered following aspects.
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Homeopathic Treatment of Endometriosis
Homeopathy treatment of endometriosis is a proven, effective and immensely successful procedure. It is the most effective way to cure endometriosis without surgery. Homeopathy always treats the underlying cause of any disease. Thus it is able to heal an ailment completely. The set of symptoms shown by each individual case varies from the other. A systematic and comprehensive analysis of the patient helps in determining the right remedy. Homeopathy is referred to as a holistic system of medicine, and the remedies provided depend on symptoms faced by the individual and overall history of the evolution of endometriosis inside the body.
As per the principles of homeopathy, a complete state of health can be achieved when the underlying root causes from which the individual is suffering are taken care of. Therefore, even in the case of endometriosis, the main aim is to treat the underlying causes of the individual suffering from the disease. There are different types of therapeutic medicines in homeopathy that can help in treating endometriosis. These medicines are prescribed based on causes, modalities, and sensations. Homeopathic remedies don’t suppress the disease. Instead, homeopathy ensures that it gives you back a healthy body free of any diseases.
Homeopathic medicines also prevent the relapse of the condition. It offers a holistic approach and doesn’t just treat the individual of its disease but also boosts immunity and provides overall good health in a safe and natural way.
What is Endometriosis?
Tissues on the inner lining of uterus are called endometrium. When endometrium grows outside the uterus (instead of growing inside of uterus), it creates a painful disorder in women, which is called Endometriosis.
Endometriosis can grow on vital reproductive organs like ovaries, fallopian tubes and the pelvic region. In some rare cases the endometrial tissue also spreads beyond the pelvic organs.
The most common symptoms of endometriosis are irregular periods and extreme pain in the pelvic area.
The changes in your hormones during the menstrual cycle can affect the ailing endometrial tissue, which may cause inflammation and pain in the affected area. Over time, the misplaced endometrial tissue grows, thickens, breaks down, and get stuck in your pelvic body parts.
In some women, these implants (or tissues) are also found in the vagina, bladder, and cervix. It is uncommon for these to grow in other places other than the pelvic area. In some exceptional cases - they do grow in old surgery scars, on the liver and sometimes around the brain or lungs.
Endometriosis is quite common among women in their 30s and 40s. This makes it harder to get pregnant and also causes a lot of pain during menstrual periods. Fortunately, treatments are available to cure this disease.
The primary symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often associated with menstrual periods. Pain also may increase over time.
It is estimated that women between the age group of 15 and 49 world over, have 10% chances of getting affected by Endometriosis. Over 11% of American women between the ages of 15 and 44 are estimated to have encountered this problem. According to the Endometriosis Society of India, over 25 million women are suffering from endometriosis in India. Endometriosis can also start in a girl as early as her very first period.
A few most recent studies have shown that endometriosis comes back at a rate of 20% to 40% within the five years of having conservative surgical treatment.
In many cases of endometriosis other associated complications are overwhelming. For many women endometriosis has impacted their physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. The problems don’t end there. The economic burden of this disease is also high. For far too many patients, their quality of life has been affected by endometriosis because of –
- Severe pain
- Emotional impact of female infertility issues
- Frustration and stress
- Helplessness towards the recurrence of this disease
- Deterioration of the body due to the repeated surgical treatments
- Other long-term medical therapies.
Endometriosis Signs and Symptoms
Endometriosis symptoms are difficult to ascertain. In a large number of women, Endometriosis is asymptomatic and hence remains undetected. The patches of endometriosis can vary from being as small as the size of a mustard seed to being large clumps. It is believed that many women who suffer excruciating pain during their periods due to endometriosis think that it is normal period pain, and hence, they never seek any kind of medical help. It is not necessary that having bigger patches cause worse symptoms, there are many cases when women had just a few spots of endometrial cysts, but their symptoms were quite bad.
One or more of the following symptoms of Endometriosis can be observed in women who are suffering.
- Pain before periods: Experience pain some days before the periods and such pain lasts throughout the periods. This is not usually the case for women who don’t have endometriosis – the pain doesn’t last so long.
- Pain in legs and rectal area: Most women experience gnawing, throbbing or dragging pain till their legs but there are women with extreme cases of endometriosis who experience terrible rectal pain. They often feel that their insides are being pulled down.
- Pain after intercourse: Women experience pain after they have intercourse. The pain is felt deep within and it lasts for few hours, after the intercourse.
- Pain in pelvic area: It is also common for women to experience pain in their pelvic area and the lower abdomen. Often this pain is constant but it tends to worsen a few days before they get their periods.
- Pain and bleeding during periods: The endometrial tissues, which are supposed to grow on the inner lining of the uterus, begins to grow outside the uterus. This causes lesions or lumps, on the outer periphery of the uterus and/or other organs in pelvic area. This can result in intense pain especially during menstruation. Hormonal stimulation caused because of menstruation triggers the endometriosis lesions, and they tend to bleed during the periods. Sometimes the blood accrues causing swelling which initiates an inflammatory response caused by the activation of cytokines (signaling molecules).
- Bleeding in between periods: Bleeding in between two consecutive periods is also a symptom of endometriosis.
- Female infertility: The endometrial implants tend to block the passage of egg from the ovary to the fallopian tube. This makes it difficult for the woman to conceive. In many cases leads to female infertility.
- Pain in lower abdomen while urinating: Some women may also experience pain in their lower abdomen while passing urine and pain may also be felt when passing faeces. Women may also have blood in their urine, but this symptom is very rare.
- Pain in other body parts: Sometimes when endometrial implants affect other parts of the body that are far from the pelvic area, pain in those parts of the body is also experienced. Such pain is very much similar to that of a pain experienced during the periods.
If the condition gets extreme the endometrial lesions also grow their own nerve supply. They establish an interaction between the lesions with the central nervous system. The pain experienced in this case can be much different.
Possible Causes of Endometriosis
Causes of endometriosis have been eluding the medical fraternity. The exact cause of endometriosis is still not known clearly. However, studies do define some possible causes that lead to this condition. These factors could be hormonal imbalances, genetic factors and problems with the immune system. Here are some of the theories that are associated with the causes of endometriosis.
Retrograde menstruation
The first theory proposed by the experts is retrograde menstruation, where the menstrual blood that contains the endometrial cells flow back in the fallopian tubes, in the pelvic cavity and abdominal cavity instead of outside the body. This causes the endometrial cells to grow outside the uterus. However, this may not be the only cause of endometriosis because there are several women who experience retrograde menstruation but they don’t have endometriosis.
Coelomic metaplasia
Another thought that offers a theory for endometriosis is coelomic metaplasia. The surface of the body wall and the abdominal organs is lined by a tissue known as coelomic epithelium. At times, because of unknown stimuli this coelomic epithelium transforms into glands that resemble endometrial glands. This is when endometriosis is caused in unusual places other than its usual places of occurrence (which is in the pelvis or abdomen). Coelomic metaplasia may also occur in women who have surgically removed their uterus through hysterectomy and are not taking oestrogen replacement.
Adhesions
Endometriosis patches are sticky and usually join organs to each other. These patches are known as adhesions. When the tissues growing outside your uterus start swelling and the uterus tries shedding them, the surrounding area becomes sore and irritated. One such inflamed area gets stuck to another inflamed area as they try to heal. The parts that stuck creates a band of scar tissues, which is known as adhesion.
These adhesions can be found anywhere in the body. For women suffering from endometriosis, adhesions may bind an ovary to a part of the pelvic wall, or spread between the bladder and the uterus, etc. When such adhesions (also called endometriosis patches) grow bigger, they form cysts. The cysts bleed every month during your menstruation. The cysts also get filled with blood, usually very dark in color and are referred to as ‘chocolate cysts.’
Surgery Scars
Cause of endometriosis in an operative scar is rare with a probability of 0.03% to 0.15% only. The condition may happen mainly after an obstetric and gynaecological operation. However, scar endometriosis can occur after general surgery like that of appendectomy or correction of hernia etc. The detection of endometriosis because of surgery scars is possible after an elusive diagnosis because it is mostly confused with hematoma, abscess, sarcoma suture granuloma, desmoid tumor etc. Some signs that are usually seen in scar endometriosis are swelling tumor in the scar post the operation and recurring pain.
Lymphatic / Bloodstream Transfer
In very rare cases, endometriosis may develop in other organs that are not near to the pelvic area, such as the brain or the lungs. This happens when endometrial cells are transferred through the lymphatic system or through the bloodstream.
Immune System
Some medical evidence also reveals that changes in immune response could be the cause of endometriosis in women. The body fails to naturally identify and destroy the misdirected development of endometrial tissue, causing the condition of endometriosis in women.
Mulleriosis
The theory of Mulleriosis suggests that endometriosis occurs due to developmental irregularities in the female reproductive system. It proposes that endometriosis occurs as a result of irregular discrepancy or movement of any part of the Mullerian duct system. This system is a passage in the early stages of the embryo that then develops into the fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix.
Diagnosis of Endometriosis
What are the ways to confirm diagnosis of endometriosis? Correct diagnosis of endometriosis clears the way for the effective treatment of endometriosis. A doctor usually probes about the menstrual cycle/history, pains, and other primary symptoms. Typically, a homeopathic doctor goes into little more detail of your psychological state, your lifestyle, and any key incidents that may be having a possible impact. She can also probe around comorbid conditions. After questioning you, a homeopathic doctor might perform a physical examination. However, a physical examination or detection of primary symptoms of endometriosis, are not enough to conclude that a woman is suffering from it. In order to be more certain, the below-mentioned tests are recommended.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound usually helps in identifying pelvic diseases and might reveal the presence of endometriosis in the bladder or vaginal areas. However, this may not be the best way to diagnose the condition of endometriosis.
Visual Inspections
A direct visual inspection in the abdomen or the inside of the pelvis along with tissue biopsy of the implants is a more accurate way to diagnose endometriosis.
Laparoscopy
A common way to diagnose endometriosis that is often used by healthcare providers is laparoscopy. It is a surgical procedure where a small incision in the abdomen is made through which a camera is inserted to check inside the pelvic cavity. Tissue samples known as biopsies are collected for examination. There have been several cases where the biopsies collected during the procedure reveal endometriosis even when there were no signs of endometrial implants during the laparoscopy examination.
What are the 4 Stages of Endometriosis?
It is important to understand the nuances of all the 4 stages of endometriosis. Medical science has defined four (I to IV) different stages of endometriosis. The staging is a complex system and is done after assessing the adhesions and lesions present in the pelvic organs. However, it is pertinent to understand that this staging does not determine levels of pain and infertility that a woman may face. The best treatment of endometriosis is possible when the stage of this disease is determined. A woman with Stage-I endometriosis may have milder disease but experiences severe pain. Whereas a woman who is in Stage-IV might have a severe condition of endometriosis but no pain at all. Here are the 4 stages of endometriosis:
Stage-I of Endometriosis (Minimal)
When some translucent adhesions and superficial lesions are seen, then the endometriosis is considered to be at Stage-I of endometriosis. The lesions and implants are smaller in size, are few in numbers, and look shallow. There might also be tenderness in or around your pelvic area. But the size or number of lesions and adhesions doesn’t decide the extent of the pain during periods, intercourse, bowel movements, heavy bleeding during menstruation period, and more. You could also feel tiredness, nausea, constipation, etc., particularly during menstrual period.
Even at Stage-I, endometriosis causes a woman a lot of pain and makes a huge impact on her life.
Stage-II of Endometriosis (Mild)
Stage-II of endometriosis, is considered to be mild. Doctors might discover more implants; lesions and their location are deeper than the shallow implants that are found in Stage-I of endometriosis. Besides the translucent adhesions, there are deep lesions in the cul-de-sac, which is also known as the pouch of Douglas. It is present between the uterus and the rectum.
The symptoms can be pain, excessive bleeding, cramps, etc.
Stage-III of Endometriosis (Moderate)
In Stage-III of endometriosis, there are more adhesions compared to Stage-II. Stage-III of endometriosis is called moderate endometriosis. Along with the many deep endometrial implants, endometrial cysts can also be found on one or both ovaries. Such endometrial cyst starts to form when the misplaced tissue attaches itself to an ovary and starts to shed blood and tissue. The blood accumulates and turns brownish and that is why these painful growths are also called chocolate cysts.
In this stage, thin bands of tissue, and filmy adhesions, bind the organs together. These adhesions get formed when your body is trying to heal itself from the swelling and painful tenderness that occurs due to endometriosis. The organs stuck together might be the reason behind sharp bouts of pain along with queasiness.
Stage-IV of Endometriosis (Severe)
Stage-IV of endometriosis is identified as severe stage. The symptoms of Stage-IV of endometriosis are quite similar to all symptoms present in Stage-III, but more severe (just as the name suggests). There are more dense adhesions and deep implants, in fact too many, and the endometrioma (endometrial cyst) is also quite large. Large endometrial cysts can be found on one or both the ovaries.
The presence of a endometrial cyst on the ovary can cause shooting pain and internal bleeding when the cyst ruptures. Endometrioma is sometimes wrongly diagnosed as ovarian cysts.
The symptoms might include pain during intercourse and menstruations, cramping, pain with pelvic examinations, heavy bleeding, infertility, etc. The pain in pelvic muscles in women with endometriosis depends somewhat on the location of endometrial implants. Deeper implants, and implants that are located in high nerve density areas are more inclined to elicit pain. The implants might also release certain elements into the blood that could produce pain
In a desperate measure to control the symptoms of endometriosis, you should never go for a temporary suppression of pain. It does not necessarily mean relief from endometriosis. You should always seek a permanent treatment so that the real causes of your endometriosis are eliminated from its roots.
Top Homeopathic Medicines for Endometriosis
Lachesis
Lachesis is prescribed to patients with endometriosis showing rectal symptoms. It can work well for patients that have a bleeding rectum during their periods when suffering from endometriosis. The bleeding also causes pain in the rectum. Lachesis is an exceptional remedy for women who have to suffer through very painful menstrual periods and pain only worsens, mainly in the area of the left ovary or the left side in general. Along with the pain, women might also suffer gagging and heaving. It is also used to cure the symptoms of the premenstrual and menstrual periods such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and short menses.
Natrum Mur
Natrum Mur is the best homeopathic remedy, for individuals suffering from endometriosis with complaints of urinary issues. For women, experiencing bleeding from the urinary bladder during their periods, Natrum Mur is highly effective. It is a slow-acting cure that responds healthily to chronic disorders. This homeopathic medicine increases the production of red blood cells and albumin, which is a protein usually found in animal and vegetable tissues. Natrum Mur also reduces the patient's habit to catching frequent cold, and fever.
Sepia
Sepia is used to cure many health problems, especially in the reproductive organs. Patients suffering from endometriosis and complaining of painful intercourse are often prescribed with Sepia. It helps in soreness and burning sensation experienced by them.
In homeopathy, sepia is also prescribed for people who suffer from health conditions with symptoms such as lethargy, weakness, and mood swings. Sepia is used for problems of vagina, ovaries and uterus. It also works on women with gynaecological disorders like Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS or when they are suffering from physical or emotional symptoms during and post-pregnancy.
Xanthoxylum
For patients suffering from endometriosis and experiencing painful periods, Xanthoxylum is top recommendation. Xanthoxylum is perfect for period pains caused in the back, pelvis, legs, and thighs. Usually periods in such women are very heavy and exhausting.
Xanthoxylum is also a great remedy for the pain in the upper part of the eyes, pain and heaviness in the upper part of the forehead, pressure and trembling of the nose, headache with nausea etc. It can also be taken in the case of loose motions and stomach pain.
Pulsatilla
Women experiencing pelvic pains that give them chills and make them feel restless are prescribed Pulsatilla. Pulsatilla is used for curing painful symptoms of both the male and female reproductive system, skin disorders, and several other health-related conditions. In the female reproductive system, Pulsatilla is used to treat menstrual cramps and painful ovaries. Pulsatilla is also useful for headaches, sleep troubles, ulcers, asthma, pain in the ear, migraines, gastrointestinal disorders, and much more.
Endometriosis Prevention
How can endometriosis be prevented? Prevention of endometriosis is largely associated with lifestyle. Even though there is no way that you can completely prevent endometriosis, you might be able to bring down the chances of developing this condition or manage your symptoms. Here are some of the ways for endometriosis prevention.
Lowering the level of hormone Estrogen
Estrogen helps in thickening the lining area of the uterus during your menstrual period. So it is important to regulate the level of Estrogen. Before taking any medication, talk to your doctor about its pros and cons, and only then make a final decision.
Exercising regularly
Benefits of exercising on health, both physical and mental, cannot be stressed more. It might be able to lower your chances of having endometriosis. Workout can help you keep your body weight under control and maintain a low and healthy body fat percentage. A study had shown that exercising might help in boosting good estrogen metabolites and lower bad estrogen metabolites.
Avoid heavy drinking of alcohol
Some studies have shown that drinking large amounts of alcohol might raise the level of estrogen in your body. This in turn increases your chances of having endometriosis.
Home remedies and healthy diet
You can introduce healthy food rich in omega fatty acids such as ghee, nuts, avocados, salmon, and sardines in your diet. These foodstuffs can boost the production of prostaglandins, which can be quite beneficial in alleviating the pain. Also include food sources such as sweet potato, sunflower seeds, and olive oil. Consume food rich in Vitamin E.
You must include spinach, okra, tamarind, potato with skin, cooked quinoa, soaked raisins, tofu, etc. as they are a rich source of magnesium. Magnesium can help in relieving menstrual cramps and back pain. Also add oats and cherries as they have melatonin in them, which is also a pain reliever.
| When at Severe Stage (i.e. Stage IV), you can feel persistent pain during your monthly periods, while having sex, during bowel movements, or when you are peeing. The is often accompanied by heavy bleeding. While for some women the symptoms might become worse, others might be able to find a resolution to treat the pain without medications. The intensity of the pain and bleeding may vary from month to month. At this stage, general home remedies as described above can be employed. Additionally, pelvic massage with castor oil, maintaining a healthy diet, using heating pads, warm baths can be helpful. |
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Endometriosis - FAQs
Can Endometriosis cause cancer?
Yes, it is seen that women suffering from endometriosis often have ovarian cancer. Endometriosis is one of the main causes of infertility in women and this is true of more than half of such women who are unable to conceive. A common explanation given is that conceiving and having children offer protection to a certain extent against ovarian cancer. It was discovered that women suffering from endometriosis had 90% chances of getting ovarian cancer, 40% chances of hematopoietic cancer and 30% chances of acquiring breast cancer.
Can Endometriosis cause back pain?
Yes, amongst the many symptoms that are seen in an endometriosis patient, back pain is one of the common symptoms. Along with it, they also complain of acid reflux, hip pain, leg pain, and fatigue. Several women may also complain of various symptoms that are not in the pelvic area and are usually caused by inflammation, lesions, adhesions that are near the spinal cord. They will experience radiating pain if the endometriosis had penetrated the nerves surrounding the spinal cord.
Can Endometriosis go away?
Usually, endometriosis goes away when women begin experiencing menopause. For others, pregnancy gives them relief from the symptoms of endometriosis. In some cases, women find the symptoms to have vanished suddenly.
Endometriosis is a progressive condition and it can get worse if not treated on time. The complication of female infertility might be avoidable with the early treatment of endometriosis. Recent research has also revealed that endometriosis might also increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. This could because of the increasing levels of inflammation, fats, and oxidative strain that are seen in several women with endometriosis. With early diagnosis and the right treatment at the right time, you might be able to see an improvement in your condition. Timely and systematic medical help and an Endometriosis test will be able to help you reduce the progression of the condition, ease the complications, and have better treatment of the symptoms.
Can Endometriosis cause anemia?
Women with endometriosis can lose a lot of blood when the endometriosis lesions or implants shed in the pelvic cavity. Women with endometriosis tend to have heavier and longer periods compared to other women. Therefore, there are chances that they may suffer from iron deficiency anemia.
Can Endometriosis spread?
Yes, endometriosis is locally invasive and can spread quickly. Their growth is stimulated by the cyclic hormones. In women with endometriosis, the tissue usually spreads through the pelvic area. However, in some cases, it might spread up to the chest cavity. The endometrium, regardless of where it has spread in the body, works on the same cycle as a woman’s menstrual period, which is controlled by the hormone found in a female body, estrogen.
Can Endometriosis cause Nausea?
Yes, endometriosis causes nausea, especially when the women are having their periods. For some women, endometriosis can break into the bowel, interfere with intestinal anatomy, change regular bowel functioning, and this can lead to constipation, bloating, painful bowel movements, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
Can Endometriosis be fatal?
Despite the symptoms being quite painful, endometriosis is not a fatal disease. But at times, endometrial cells form an endometriotic cyst, which ruptures and bleeds. The bleeding may look like the woman has endometriosis cancer, but in fact, it is just a cyst that burst. However, women with endometriosis have been known to be prone to certain cancers.
Final Thoughts on Homeopathy for Endometriosis Treatment
Homeopathy for endometriosis treatment offers a safe natural solution. Homeopathy by nature, targets eliminating the root cause. Natural treatment procedures like homeopathy don't have risks of leaving scars behind. You should commence your treatment procedure at an early stage.
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| About the Author |
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| Dr. Sanchita Dharne, recognized as the best homeopathic doctor in Gurgaon, is an expert in treatment of endometriosis with homeopathy. She has an impeccable record in delivering effective treatment to chronic ailments pertaining to women. |
Disclaimer: Please don’t consume these medicines without the prescription of an expert homeopath. The list above is not a comprehensive list of all the medicines. An expert homeopath, prescribes combination of medicines on the basis of your case and various symptoms pertaining to the same.