Endometriosis – Start With A Natural Approach
Emotional Factors
Twenty-five years ago the medical profession recognized very little of the deep connection between emotions and health. It was accepted that “Type-A” personalities had a greater risk for heart disease, that “Passive/Depressive” women had more breast cancer, and that attitude affected a patient’s rate of healing. But there was resistance to going further.
Today there is much greater recognition of the impact of emotional experience on our health. There is a conclusive body of clinical evidence showing stress increases the risk of disease. A large-scale California study co-sponsored by the Center for Disease Control and Kaiser Permanente (called the ACE study) showed that emotional trauma in childhood almost predetermined health problems in adulthood. A large number of such studies are now published every year.
In our clinical practice, we have long realized that for most women, in addition to the physical factors, there is a definite connection between endometriosis and unresolved emotional issues. Those issues are varied, but are most often unresolved problems within your family, especially your family of origin. Dealing with those issues now, especially when combined with the dietary and other support efforts outlined above, can be a decisive component of your health. There are numerous alternative options for good old-fashioned guidance, as well as help with emotional dilemmas. For more on this, we encourage you to read our many popular articles about emotional experience.
Conventional Medical Treatment
The natural methods described above provide the body with the support it needs for hormonal balance, and many women find that it is all they need for relief from their adverse symptoms of endometriosis. However there are also many effective conventional remedies short of surgery. We suggest you start with the natural methods, and if you need further support, consider the following treatments:
Use of ibuprofen, naproxen, and other antiprostaglandins or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) that are available by prescription to decrease pain and inflammation when needed.
- Medical/hormonal management with contraceptive methods, such as birth control pills, patch, ring, or Depo-Provera injections, which have synthetic progestins that help block the stimulation of the endometriosis implants. Hormonal treatments, such as Lupron or danazol, temporarily stop menstruation, block estrogen, and shrink the implants. These drugs also create symptoms of early menopause, but they are very effective at shrinking the endometriosis.
- In extreme cases surgical treatment may prove the only option, if these less-invasive preventative and conventional approaches fail to provide you with relief.
- Surgical removal or lasering of the tissue implants, usually following a course of Lupron.
- Endometrial ablation.
- Total or partial hysterectomy if the endometriosis is diffuse in the pelvic area.
Click here to read our articles about endometrial ablation and hysterectomy options.
The good news is that there are options for you whether you choose to do the alternatives, medication or surgery.
There are also many alternative options for help with emotional problems, in addition to conventional counseling. I want you to have a healthy lifestyle that provides you with happiness and a positive outlook on life.
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