Endometriosis: Latest Treatments

Endometriosis treatment can be both surgical and therapeutic. This article explores - treatments which range from antioxidants found in the humble tomato; drinking a “nice cup of tea”; hysterectomy; the link between hair colour and the condition and infertility.It also looks at treatments for pain management, and controlling blood flow.

There are video links from professionals and sufferers, articles which explain the symptoms of endometriosis, details of organizations involved in all aspects of endometriosis, and information about clinical trials.

Endometriosis is the condition where cells like the ones lining the womb grow on organs outside of the uterus. It affects about one in ten women in the world of child bearing age. This can result in painful, heavy or unpredictable periods, infertility and discomfort during and after intercourse.

The correct approach to endometriosis management is still being considered, however some guidelines have been set to assist professional in the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. A laparoscopy is the main means of diagnosis and Laparoscopic surgery can be carried out to offer some sufferers relief in clinical symptoms.

In cases were the sufferer of endometriosis has no intentions of getting pregnant, medical treatment is suggested. Surgical treatment is considered the best treatment for women with pain and or pelvic area who wish to become pregnant in the short term. For infertile patients the treatment options are surgery or in vitro fertilization.

Research is on going to discover if endometriosis is hereditary and the Oxford Endometriosis Gene study, (OXEGENE) based at the University of Oxford, is taking part in a world wide collaboration which aims to find genes responsible for causing endometriosis. The condition is more common in Asian woman than it is in Caucasian women, but rare in women of Afro-Caribbean origin.

Studies which took place at Harvard Medical School looked at the link between red hair colour and endometriosis. There is a suggestion that red hair colour slightly increased the risk of endometriosis among women who had never been infertile, but decreased the risk among those who were infertile. Further analysis is on going.

It is generally stated that there is no known cure for endometriosis, however Carolyn Levett states in her book, Reclaim Your Life - Your Guide to Aid Healing of Endometriosis,that she was given a clean bill of health from the condition by following a regime of homeopathy, a healthy diet and various natural self help treatments.

A trial from Wayne State University in the United States has found that the antioxidant lycopene, worked to reduce the abnormal activity of cells and thus may reduce the adhesion effects of endometriosis.

Lycopene is a red pigment which gives fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, papayas and carrots their red colour. Lycopene can be incorporate into the diet by eating tomato based sauces or fresh tomatoes cooked with oil. Some delicious, easy options are half a pink grapefruit for breakfast or watermelon chilled and cut into cubes. Alternatively taking a multi-nutrient supplement along with a healthy diet could also be effective.

Some alternative therapies are based on the premise that the treatment and the ailment being treated should share some common characteristics. It is interesting that lycopene, a red pigment, has been found to be effective in the treatment a condition associated to the menstrual cycle.

Research coming out from the Chinese University of Hong Kong found that antioxidant compounds in green tea restrict the formation of new blood vessels, which assist in spreading endometriosis.

Green tea also has some anti-inflammatory properties which could aid in the reduction of the inflammation associated with the condition.

Dienogest

Dienogest is a synthetic steroid used as a component of oral contraceptives and is currently being evaluated for the treatment of endometriosis. Physicians in Japan report that Dienogest has been effective in relieving certain symptoms during non-menstruation: lower abdominal pain, lower back pain, pain when opening the bowels, pain during sex and pain on internal examination.

Elagolix

Kevin Gorman of Neurocrine Biosciences reports that "Elagolix", a hormone which is currently undergoing clinical trials, provides endometriosis sufferers with improvement of symptoms, coupled with an excellent safety and tolerability profile.

Endometriosis has both physical and emotional effects, and experts stress the importance of consulting with a doctor about diagnosis and treatment. It is also important to have the support of friends, family and employers.

Nutritionist and doctors generally recommend eating foods from the five main food groups. However, nutritional therapy and dietary modification research found that a diet high in fruit and vegetables decreased the risk of endometriosis, whereas ham, beef and other meats increased the risk.

The symptoms of endometriosis can be managed by a diet rich in fruit and vegetables. The antioxidants found in these foods help to keep the immune system healthy, increase the tolerance to medical treatments and side effects, increase energy and increase the ability to think clearly in the face of a condition that can be debilitating for sufferers.

Dian Mills nutritionist and author of Endometriosis: A Key to Healing Through Nutrition, reports that 80% of her clients noticed that the pain subsided when they removed wheat and wheat products from their diet. Ms Mills states that buckwheat and buckwheat products do not seem to be a problem.

Deficiency in the diet of vitamin B1 can result in fatigue, muscle cramps, various pains and a reduced tolerance to pain. Trials have shown that women who had a daily intake of 100mg of the vitamin B1 over a two month period experienced complete pain relieve.

A study of 80 women with endometriosis demonstrated that taking a high dose of vitamin E and C over a two month period, had significant improvement in endometriosis pain and a reduction in inflammation.

Tests done at Tarbiat Modares University in Iran, on girls between the age of 15-17 who took vitamin E, two days before their menstrual cycle, and continued through the first three days of bleeding, over four consecutive menstrual periods, found that they had lower pain severity, and reduced blood loss. The trials were looking into dysmenorrhea, which is pelvic pain around the time of menstruation. Dr Ziaei from the university stated that the results suggest that vitamin E is a safe and effective treatment for primary dysmenorrhea.

Magnesium has is an effective pain reliever and aids in muscle relaxation. Research has found that woman taking magnesium therapy experienced an improvement in endometriosis.

Food Standards Agency in the UK and United States Department of Agriculture offer detailed information on healthy eat, fact sheets and articles.

There has been no significant research into the effectiveness of alternative therapies on endometriosis. Many endometriosis sufferers report that reflexology, homeopathy, reflexology, Traditional Chinese medicine have been effective in relieving pain.

The University of Southampton in the United Kingdom started clinical trials in 2007, to explore the role of Chinese Herbal Medicine in the treatment of endometriosis.

Physiotherapy, yoga, Pilates and gentle exercise build strength in the pelvic, abdominal and back muscles, and can assist the body to get back into shape during and after prolonged periods of pain or surgery.

Clare Strongman an endometriosis sufferer, reports in the March 2009 issue of Zest magazine, that she took the Depo-Provera contraceptive injection, cut wheat from her diet, started running and doing aerobics, with the result that she has experienced no pain since she started this regime.

The severity of the pain associated with endometriosis varies from woman to woman and depends on where the endometriosis is growing inside the body. Painful, heavy or unpredictable periods, infertility and discomfort during and after intercourse could also be attributed to other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome and pelvic inflammatory disease. Keeping an accurate record of the pain and symptoms, could help to manage the condition and also assist doctors in diagnosis. Endometriosis UKoffers a Pain and Symptoms Chart for the recording the progress of the condition.

Expert Patients Programme Community Interest Company run Expert Patient Courses to teach suffers how to adapt to living with the condition and managing pain. The courses are based on research from the United Kingdom and the United States.

The courses are free to anyone over the age of 18 with a long-term health condition and run over six consecutive weeks, each session last 2.5 hours and are run by people who also have a long-term health condition.

A book accompanies the course and the subjects covered are:

• Action planning, feedback and problem solving
• Cognitive symptom management
• Depression, anger, fear and frustration
• Better breathing, fitness and exercise
• Healthy eating
• Communicating with family and professionals
• Medications
• Managing fatigue
• Making informed treatment decisions 　

Just like many illnesses and conditions herbs and items from the store cupboard may be able to offer some relief from the symptoms of endometriosis.

To stop continuous menstrual flow, boil a few pieces of ginger in water and drink, add honey to taste and drink three times a day. Dandelion, rosemary and milk thistle are also effective. Any herbs used must be from a reputable source and used correctly. A warm bath or hot water bottle on the abdomen can relieve abdominal pain.

To treat endometriosis, fruit and vegetable juices should be part of the everyday diet. Mango, papaya and pineapple are good choices and are very tasty. Vegetables from the brassica group like brussels, cabbage, bok choy and kale include substances which are beneficial for improving metabolism of estrogen which can exacerbate the condition.

Many clinical trials looking into the causes and searching for a cure are still open and are looking for volunteers – being a participant is a great way to be involved in trying to find solutions. Early diagnosis is always the best option, but once this has been done there are many things that the sufferer can do manage the condition. Despite the medical view that there is no cure, it is heartening to hear the stories of real woman who have found ways to manage the condition and even in their own opinions cure it.

Endometriosis.org the global organization for information about endometriosis has details about clinical trials around the world which are still opened to participants.

Endometriosis UK is the leading United Kingdom charity that supports women living with endometriosis. The charity offers a wealth of information on the condition free fact sheets, newsletters and information packs. At its web site it is possible to email questions, become a member of the organization, see the latest news, get involved in its charity events, hear about other sufferers and join its Facebook Group.

World Endometriosis Society (WES) is a scientific Society founded in 1998 to promote the exchange of clinical experience, scientific thought and investigation amongst professional in the medical field. Its EJournal is available for downloading at the site. The April/May edition covers Endometriosis management in New Zealand and endometriosis related fertility treatment.

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. The author is not qualified to give any medical advice nor to offer or propose a cure for any disease or condition. Before embarking on any form of treatment a doctor should be consulted.