4 Endometriosis Triggers You Should Know

Endometriosis can feel like labor pains – it’s intense and affects the mind and the body.

It is definitely not an easy road to travel and this month during #nationalendometriosisawarenessmonth I want to provide some general helpful tips to ease symptoms of #endometriosis.

So what is Endometriosis? Typically tissues are suppose to line the womb or uterus but when they start growing outside the uterus it is called endometriosis. Most common places for these tissues to grow are on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, tissues that hold the uterus in place, outer surface of the uterus according to Office of Womens Health.

Endometriosis It is classified by estrogen dominance where sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and others are out of balance. FYI Fibroids, Breast Cancer, PCOS, are also estrogen dominance conditions. Estradiol, type of estrogen, is the main hormone of concern with endometriosis as excess of this type of estrogen can produce severe pain and other issues.

Here are four Endometriosis triggers you should know:

1. Excessive Saturated Fat

Research strongly demonstrates that a diet high in saturated fat is inflammatory on many levels affecting your blood flow to your major organs and aggravating or intensifying pain. Yep, certain foods promote inflammation while others decrease it. Saturated fats are found in eggs, dairy products, red meat, poultry, coconut and palm oils, etc. Work with your health providers, which includes a women's health registered dietitian to ascertain blood work and evaluate your dietary intake and lifestyle. Check out our this past blog for more insight.

2. Hormonal birth control

Hormonal birth control may include: certain vaginal rings, intrauterine devices, injections, pills, skin patches, and arm implant. Birth control that increase your estrogen levels can worsen endometriosis symptoms. An imbalance of estrogen levels are known to produce painful and tender breast, painful periods, etc. Talk to your OBGYN about non-hormonal birth control options.

3. Caffeine

Yep, caffeinated tea, coffee, chocolate, energy drinks can benefit you in some ways however the downside is that it can intensify period pain & worsen anxiety.

In addition, research shows caffeine alters your estrogen levels according to study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Looking for caffeine free options? Consider Carob instead of Chocolate and Moringa instead of Matcha.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol increases estrogen levels. Yep, red wine included. If you want the phytochemical (resveratrol) benefits from the red wine without the alcohol, consider red grapes, berries, mocktails, etc.

Besides altering estrogen levels in women, (per NIH study – Alcohols Effects on Female Reproductive Function), strong evidence shows that alcohol consumption is a “known human carcinogen”, increasing risk several cancers (breast, head & neck, colorectal…) per NIH National Cancer Institute - the National Toxicology Program of the US Department of Health & Human Services.

What now?

Individualized process is the core of treatment. Complementary and Alternative Medicine also known as Integrative and Functional medicine is the cornerstone of our approach at 360Girls&Women. This means we explore treatment options (based on your need) such as aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, targeted herbs and spices, key vitamin and mineral, herbal poultices, anti-inflammatory eating approach, detoxing home and beauty, mind body therapies, hormonal and gut testing, finding root causes of triggers in your diet and lifestyle and much more. Book a call to speak with our women's health dietitian and wellness practitioner to learn more.

Resources

• HHS Office of Women’s Health

• The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG)