Endometriosis is one of the most common chronic gynaecological conditions. It is estimated that one in ten women of reproductive age suffers from endometriosis.
Commonly, it manifests as menstrual pain, irregular or heavy periods, pain during and after intercourse, pain or discomfort when going to the toilet, blood in the stool or bleeding from the rectum, and a feeling of constant tiredness.
Although it can be asymptomatic for some women, it may have a significant impact on their quality of life and their fertility.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue of the uterus (endometrium) is outside the uterine cavity, most commonly in organs, such as ovaries and fallopian tubes, the connective tissue surrounding the uterus, the rectum, the bladder and vagina.
If the disease extends to the digestive and urinary systems, there is a feeling of bloating, difficulty passing faeces, and painful urination.
The origin of endometriosis is not fully understood yet. The most common explanation is the theory of retrograde menstruation. Although most of the blood and cells pass out through the vagina during menstruation, a small proportion can be squeezed out through the fallopian tubes into the abdominal cavity. The expelled cells can then be taken up by the abdominal wall and continue to grow.
When the endometrial tissue migrates to ectopic areas outside the endometrium, it will promote inflammation by releasing oestrogen (Ref 1). The formed tissue in endometriosis is identical to the endometrium and is therefore subject to the influence of sex hormones.
For this reason, symptoms are alleviated during pregnancy and at the onset of menopause, when hormone levels change.
Multiple evidences confirm a link between endometriosis and diet and IBS. Stay tuned for future posts on these topics, meantime please read what one happy client said…
I went to Gregorio as I had been suffering from bloating and discomfort for several years and couldn't work out if it was diet, hormones, or a result of surgery. Within a few weeks, the tailored diet made me feel amazingly better, and he has continued to tweak and manage it in response to my feedback. Improved skin and energy have been very welcome bonuses! He also explained endometriosis to me in much more detail and with greater clarity than any of the specialists I've seen. I would certainly recommend.
For advise on what we can do to help this condition please book a FREE pre-consultation with our Nutritional expert.