Endometriosis - how can Nutritional therapy help?

Written By Catriona Leen

I write this as a fellow endometriosis warrior!! My main symptoms over the years have been PAIN and BLOATING!! Nutritional therapy has significantly helped me alleviate symptoms and through trial and error I have noticed a pattern - when I eat well and nourish my body I have no symptoms and when I eat inflammatory foods and don’t nourish my body, the PAIN and the BLOAT come back!

It’s hard to believe the prevalence of endometriosis is on par with diabetes and asthma! I guess since there is still taboo about talking about menstruation so publicity around this condition is low. I think we also assume that pain with menstruation is normal which it’s not by the way - it may be common unfortunately but it’s not normal!

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where cells that should be in the uterus are found in other parts of the body – usually around the abdomen, ovaries, fallopian tubes but in some cases they can spread to other areas of the body.

Causes of endometriosis:

Science has yet to give us a definitive cause but retrograde menstruation is thought to be a factor. This is when blood flows backwards into the pelvis instead of out of the vagina during menstruation. Other possible causes include

  • Immune dysfunction (autoimmunity)

  • Leaky gut and/or food intolerances

  • Hormonal imbalance

Common symptoms:

  • Period pain

  • Ovulation pain

  • Ovary pains

  • Lower back pain

  • Extreme fatigue

  • Interstitial cystitis

  • Low mood and/or anxiety

  • Sub fertility

  • Abdominal bloating/pain

*Small specks of endometriosis can cause enormous pain, yet huge lumps may give no pain.*

Conventional treatments include: The oral contraceptive pill, pain killers, surgery to remove adhesions.

What can I do to help?

  • Identify and correct any nutritional deficiencies

  • Prescribe an anti inflammatory diet plan and nutritional supplements where applicable

  • Support gut function, support the liver and detoxification, balance hormones,

Nutritional therapy is tailored to your specific needs and everyone’s plan is different. I look at the root cause of your symptoms and try to identify what is driving them.

  • Get in touch on 0892483383 or catrionaleennutrition@gmail.com

Catriona x

Catriona Leen
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