A Naturopathic Approach to Managing Endometriosis to Support Fertility- Written by Dr. Rachel Low
Endometriosis is a chronic medical condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This tissue, known as endometrial implants, can appear on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic organs. Symptoms of endometriosis include painful periods, heavy bleeding, chronic digestive issues and more. Despite being quite common, endometriosis often goes undiagnosed. In fact, it takes an average of 10 years for a patient to receive a diagnosis of endometriosis, which can prolong suffering and delay treatment. While endometriosis itself does not guarantee infertility, it can create a hostile environment for conception. Here's how:
Inflammation: Endometriosis causes inflammation within the pelvic region, which can damage the fallopian tubes and disrupt ovulation. This inflammation can also negatively impact egg quality and sperm function.
Adhesions: Over time, endometrial implants can lead to the formation of scar tissue and adhesions. These adhesions can physically block the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg from meeting the sperm for fertilization.
Hormonal Imbalances: A leading factor in the development of endometriosis is hormone imbalance. Hormones play a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle and preparing the uterus for pregnancy. Any hormonal imbalance can hinder ovulation and implantation.
Naturopathic medicine: a multisystem approach to treat the root cause
From a naturopathic perspective, the root cause of endometriosis is not just “hormone imbalance.” There are several key factors that need to be considered when treating endometriosis, including:
Hormone Balance: Excess estrogen circulation and progesterone resistance contribute to endometrial tissue growth and inflammation. Supporting healthy hormone metabolism through liver function and gut health is crucial.
Immune System & Inflammation: Endometriosis involves chronic inflammation and autoimmune-like responses. Managing inflammatory triggers through diet and lifestyle modifications helps reduce symptom severity.
Digestive Health: Gut dysfunction can worsen inflammation and hormone imbalances. Reducing inflammation in the gut and nourishing a robust gut microbiome improves overall outcomes.
Environmental Health: Reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors and supporting natural detoxification pathways can help to restore hormone balance while also decreasing inflammation and supporting egg quality.
Nervous System: The nervous system is the master regulator, impacting all systems within the body. We know that chronic stress impacts hormone balance, inflammation, digestion and more. Reducing exposure to stress where you can, while also implementing strategies to build stress resilience is essential.
It’s important to remember that these factors are not isolated targets for treatment, but elements of the large, complex network that is the human body – these systems are all working together and impacting one another. Inflammation can drive hormone imbalance, chronic stress can disrupt digestion, and so on.
For some folks, laparoscopic surgery is required to remove adhesions associated with endometriosis. However, recurrence is very common, so taking a whole systems approach to address the root cause(s) is essential for reducing the risk of recurrence, managing symptoms, and improving fertility outcomes. If you’re wondering where to start, consider the basics:
Nutrition: A holistic approach to managing endometriosis begins with a healthy diet. Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, and tons of aromatic spices like ginger and turmeric into your meals. Avoiding processed foods and excessive sugar can also help reduce inflammation.
Stress Reduction: When it comes to stress reduction, I like to break it down into stress management and stress resilience. Stress management is all about reducing your exposure to stressors by setting boundaries, whether that’s with your boss, your family, your phone or the news. Stress resilience is all about supporting your body’s stress response, so that the inevitable stressors of life don’t have such a significant impact on your physiology. Consider trying out mind-body techniques like yoga, breath work, meditation, or acupuncture to build stress resilience and improve overall well-being.
Lifestyle Modifications: Both regular, moderate exercise and avoiding environmental toxins such as plastics and pesticides can also contribute to improved outcomes for endometriosis and fertility.
Endometriosis and fertility can be a challenging combination to navigate, but a holistic and integrative approach can make a significant difference. By addressing the root causes of inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and stress associated with endometriosis, you can enhance your chances of conceiving naturally, while also gaining control over your symptoms for the long term. Beyond the basics, targeted supplementation with nutraceuticals as well as herbal medicine can go a long way. Because every individual is unique, it’s important to work closely with a qualified provider who specializes in hormone health & fertility to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Dr. Rachel Low is a licensed naturopathic physician specializing in holistic and integrative fertility. She helps individuals and couples conceive, no matter where they are on their fertility journey -- from preconception care to overcoming fertility challenges naturally, to improving IVF outcomes. She sees patients in Salisbury, CT and virtually, and her signature course Foundations of Fertility is available here.
