Endometriosis is a painful condition that afflicts nearly 200 million women across the world. It is a health issue that is unaffected by borders, race, age or ethnicity. This chronic condition, which is one of the most common causes of infertility, occurs when normal uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus and onto the ovaries, pelvic lining or fallopian tubes. This can result in exasperating pain, especially during a woman’s menstrual period.

Signs of Endometriosis

Pelvic pain is the main symptom of endometriosis. It is often worse during your menstrual period. While this type of pain is common for a lot of women during their period, women who suffer from endometriosis describe it as almost debilitating. Some report it gets worse over time and with age.

Other common symptoms include:

• Pain with sexual intercourse – pain during or even after intercourse is commonly reported.
• Dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual periods) – Pelvic pain, cramping, lower back pain, and/or abdominal pain extending many days before and after your menstrual period.
• Heavy bleeding – Excessively heavy bleeding during menstrual period or spotting in between periods.
• Painful bowel movements – Painful bowel movements or painful urination during your menstrual period.
• Infertility - Endometriosis is commonly diagnosed for the first time when a woman is experiencing infertility.
• Other common signs – Nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or frequent urination, especially around period.

Ironically, how bad your pain is does not determine the severity of your endometriosis. Often, women with a mild case have more intense pain, while those with an advanced form of endometriosis have little or no indication of the condition. Because it has symptoms similar to other conditions, it can often be mistaken for disorders like ovarian cysts, irritable bowel syndrome, or pelvic inflammatory disease.

Natural Remedies for Endometriosis

1.    Lower Chemical Exposure

Research is currently indecisive, but studies have found evidence that excessive exposure to environmental chemicals dioxins, as well as polychlorinated biphenyls, may be linked with an increased risk of endometriosis. To reduce your chances of developing the condition, consider lowering your consumption of animal fat obtained through red meat and fatty dairy. Also, consider adding more fruits and vegetables as they are considered natural remedies for endometriosis.

2.    Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Your Diet

Omega-3 fatty acids contain the pain relieving compounds of EPA and DHA. These compounds have been found to lower prostaglandin E2 levels, an inflammatory chemical in the body. You can find omega-3 fatty acids in fish like sardines, salmon and anchovies, as well as fish oil capsules. There is evidence that fish oil might even slow down endometrial tissue growth.

3.    Reduce Stress Levels

When your stress levels are elevated, your body responds by producing cortisol. Too much of the hormone and your progesterone levels may decrease causing a hormonal imbalance. Stress can exasperate endometriosis symptoms, especially in those with advanced cases. One of several natural remedies for endometriosis is the use of nutrients and herbs to reduce stress. Some to consider are:

• Vitamin C
• Magnesium
• Lemon balm
• Ashwagandha
• Zinc
• Chamomile
• B vitamins

There are also stress relief techniques you can try like:

• Diaphragmatic breathing
• Mindful meditation
• Relaxation response
• Breathing strategies

4.    Rid Toxins with Castor Oil

Even before healers knew what endometriosis was, they recommended the use of castor oil to cleanse the body of toxins and excess tissues. Simply mix 6-8 drops of lavender oil with ¼ cup castor oil. Soak a clean cloth in the liquid and then microwave it until warm. Take care not to heat it too long or it will become too hot to handle. Place the cloth on your pelvic area and then on top of that, place a hot water bottle. Leave there for half an hour. Wipe the area with a clean warm cloth when done. Repeat as needed before or after menstrual period, but not during actual menstrual flow.

5.    Take a Sitz Bath

A sitz bath is considered one of the natural remedies for endometriosis. A contract bath between hot and cold temperatures works in their own ways to relieve symptoms. A hot bath helps reduce pain and cramping by relaxing the muscles in your pelvic area. A cold bath helps relieve pain by reducing tenderness and inflammation.

To try this technique, fill one bathtub with warm water and one with cold water. In each tub, add 8-10 drops of lavender or rosemary oil. Mix around in the water with your hand. First, sit in the tub of warm water for five minutes up to waist high. When done, move immediately to cold water tub and sit waist high for only one minute. Alternate between tubs up to five times. You can repeat the technique up to four times per week, however, avoid during actual menstrual flow.

6.    Massage Pelvic Area

Massaging your pelvic area with lavender oil can help alleviate your discomfort when you are experiencing pain due to your endometriosis. To apply this technique, lie down your bed with your back down and body stretched out. Pour a few drops of the oil on your lower abdomen and pelvic area. Gently use a rotation pattern to massage the oil into the area for 10 minutes. Do once a day when minor pain is present. Do not try this technique during your menstrual period, but any time before or after is fine.

7.    Make Flaxseed Water

Flaxseed is full of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and natural nutrients that help your body fight toxins and abnormal tissue growth. All these benefits work together to fight the advancement of endometriosis and prevent further damage.

To make flaxseed water, soak four tablespoons of flaxseed in a cup of cold water overnight. Simply strain the water in the morning and then drink it. Just toss the drain seeds away. Another way to add flaxseed to your diet is to sprinkle ground flaxseed to soups, salads, cereals and other dishes.

8.    Drink a Turmeric Tea

Turmeric is one of the great natural remedies for endometriosis and other painful conditions. Some consider it a miracle spice when it comes to pain. Why? Because turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-endometriotic properties. With this in mind, the spice could be used for both the prevention and relief of endometriosis symptoms.

To make the tea, add one teaspoon of turmeric powder, one teaspoon of ginger powder, one tablespoon of lemon juice and one tablespoon of honey to two cups of boiling hot water. Mix until combined well. Drink when it has cooled to warm temperature. Drink the tea one time a day until your symptoms are relieved. Please note: If you are taking blood-thinning medications, do not take turmeric remedies.