Posted in Category : Women's Health | October 6, 2009

Home Remedy for Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disease state in women in which the endometrial cells spread outside the uterine cavity. Endometrial cells normally line the inside of the uterus and are shed during the time of menstruation. But sometimes these cells spread to the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, the pelvic region and other parts of the abdominal cavity. This painful medical condition affects women in their reproductive years, and is one of the most common causes of infertility. There are a few common symptoms of endometriosis, but they don’t show in every woman suffering from the condition. A stabbing pain in the pelvic region, lower back, and uterus, before and during periods is one of the main symptoms. Excessive bleeding, passage of large clots and tissues, nausea, vomiting and constipation throughout periods are also some of the symptoms. Women also often feel pain during intercourse when suffering from endometriosis.

So far no confirmed causes have been detected for endometriosis, although there are a few theories for the occurrence of the disease. One of these is the “retrograde menstruation theory” (transtubal migration theory), according to which the menstrual blood deposits the endometrial cells in the abdomen by flowing back through the fallopian tube. Yet another theory suggests that endometriosis is genetic, while another possible reason is the blood system or the lymph system implanting the endometrial cells from the uterus to the other parts of the body. The size and location of the growth of endometrial cells can be diagnosed by a surgical procedure called laparoscopy.

Endometriosis is treated by menstrual suppression therapy, during which periods are stopped completely for 6-9 months. But this doesn’t always cure the problem and has side effects like reduction in breast size, weight gain, and oily skin. However, there are ways to prevent and cure endometriosis. Exercising regularly slows down the growth of endometrial cells and reduces the estrogen levels. Use of tampons during periods is also thought to trigger endometriosis, so it should be avoided as much as possible. Avoiding dairy products, fried and processed foods, meat, caffeine and alcohol is also thought to prevent endometriosis. Including fish in the diet also helps, as fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that suppress prostaglandin production. Foods rich in Vitamin B and Vitamin C supplements also help in curing the disease by improving immunity levels. Fruits like papaya, mango, dark grape, and pineapple are beneficial to women suffering from endometriosis. Leaves and flowers of dandelion and rosemary, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts are also known to improve estrogen metabolism. Finally, as with many medical conditions, the sufferer should also avoid stress.

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