Endometriosis is a chronic and painful disease that affects women of reproductive age. It causes inflammation, pain during the menstrual cycle, sex, bowel movements, urination, and may result in fertility issues. It also raises the risk of complications for maternal and infant health. While there’s no cure for endometriosis, treatment focuses on managing symptoms through hormonal therapies, pain relief, surgery, and nutritional interventions. Let’s explore endometriosis, how it impacts fertility, and dietary strategies to improve symptoms and support overall health.

At Chiyo, we're here to support you in managing endometriosis with our evidence-based Hormone Balance Program. Our program supports hormonal health, a healthy menstrual cycle, and regulates blood sugar levels with an anti-inflammatory, gut-healthy, low-glycemic diet. Our meals are carefully designed for women focused on their menstrual health or managing health diagnoses like PCOS or endometriosis.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissues similar to the uterine lining grow outside the uterus, causing severe pain, inflammation, and fertility issues. [1-3] While the exact cause is not understood, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Symptoms & complications

Symptoms of endometriosis vary and can significantly affect quality of life. Common symptoms include:

• Severe period pain 
• Chronic pelvic pain 
• Pain during sex 
• Painful bowel movements and urination
• Painful periods 
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Irregular menstrual cycles (hormonal imbalances) 
• Infertility 
• Digestive issues like bloating, constipation, and nausea
• Extreme fatigue
• Poor sleep
• Heart palpitations

Women with endometriosis also struggle with mental health challenges due to its significant impact on daily life. The chronic pain, fatigue, and fertility issues can increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. [5-10]

Managing endometriosis to support hormone balance

Nutrition plays an important role in managing endometriosis. A healthy diet improves symptoms, reduces inflammation, and supports digestive health. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce symptoms. Studies show that following a Mediterranean diet can significantly ease pain, including pelvic pain and pain during sex.  [42]

Nutrients that can manage endometriosis and improve symptoms include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats have anti-inflammatory properties. Sources include salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. [43-44]
• Polyphenols: Compounds like resveratrol and curcumin have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Sources include grapes, peanuts, blueberries and turmeric .[44-45]
• Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays a role in reducing inflammation. Foods high in vitamin D include shiitake mushrooms, beef liver, cod liver oil, and egg yolks. [43-45]
• Magnesium: Magnesium reduces inflammation and supports digestive health. Sources include spinach, Swiss chard, kale, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and quinoa. [43-44]
• Inositol: Inositol regulates hormone levels and reduces inflammation. Sources include citrus fruits, brown rice, almonds, and lentils. [47-49]
• Dietary fiber: Fiber from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables regulates estrogen levels and improves gut bacteria, which is beneficial for managing endometriosis symptoms. Sources include chia seeds, lentils, apples (with skin), broccoli, oats, black beans, and raspberries. [45-46]

How Chiyo supports women with endometriosis

Managing endometriosis can feel overwhelming at times, but with the right support and resources, you can find strategies that work best for you. At Chiyo, we're here to support you in managing endometriosis with our evidence-based Hormone Balance Program. Our program supports hormonal balance, a healthy menstrual cycle, blood sugar regulation, and incorporates essential nutrients such as CoQ10, vitamin B6, folate, selenium, and iron.

FAQs

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition where endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pain and potential infertility.

How common is endometriosis?

It affects about 5-10% of women of reproductive age, making it a relatively common condition.

What are the main symptoms of endometriosis?

Common symptoms include severe period pain, chronic pelvic pain, pain during sex, painful bowel movements or urination, heavy menstrual bleeding, and fertility issues.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a clinical evaluation, imaging tests like transvaginal ultrasound or MRI, and sometimes laparoscopy for definitive diagnosis.

What are the potential causes of endometriosis?

Causes may include genetic factors, retrograde menstruation, immune dysregulation, hormonal imbalances, and environmental influences.

Can endometriosis affect pregnancy?

Yes, endometriosis can increase the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and miscarriage.

What treatments are available for managing endometriosis?

Management often involves hormonal therapies, pain medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgical options to remove endometrial tissue.

Are there dietary changes that can help with endometriosis symptoms?

Dietary interventions may help to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and healthy fats provides a comprehensive nutritional approach to managing endometriosis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Supporting a healthy oral and gut microbiome can help reduce risks, as dysbiosis (unbalanced bacteria) can increase estrogen levels. Diets supporting beneficial bacteria, immune health and gut health is recommended.

Can mental health be affected by endometriosis?

Yes, many individuals with endometriosis report experiencing anxiety and depression, making mental health support important.

Is there a cure for endometriosis?

Currently, there is no cure, but effective management strategies can help control symptoms and improve quality of life.

What role does holistic care play in managing endometriosis?

Holistic care includes therapies like acupuncture, physiotherapy, and exercise, which can help alleviate pain and improve overall well-being.