Reducing the Effects of Endometriosis: How Anti-Inflammatories, Including Melatonin, May Help
By Clinical Consulting Team
Alana Campbell, ND, L.Ac
Endometriosis is a severely debilitating disease characterised by dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and infertility. The true prevalence of endometriosis is largely underestimated due to the reliance on laparoscopy for diagnosis. The current estimate is 10-15% of women between the ages of 25 and 35 years old and 70% of women with chronic pelvic pain have endometriosis.1 This lack of understanding in its diagnosis and management is reflected by the fact that diagnosis is often delayed by 8-10 years after the onset of symptoms.
The effect of endometriosis goes beyond debilitating pain. The disease process changes the environment of the whole pelvic bowl, leading to chronic inflammation and adhesions in the surrounding structures. These changes have a significant effect on the health of our reproductive system and fertility. In females with infertility, it is estimated that 20-50% of them have endometriosis. In those already diagnosed with endometriosis, 35-50% of people have been diagnosed with infertility.3
Research shows the most effective treatment for advanced endometriosis is surgery, followed by suppressive therapy, which may include hormonal contraception. As endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease, therapies involving progesterone are beneficial. Additional progestogens have the ability to control the growth of endometriotic tissue and manage symptoms.4 However, the recurrence rate of endometriosis after surgery is extremely high, and hormonal contraceptives are not suitable or completely effective for everyone, particularly those desiring to get pregnant. It is important to explore other possible options for managing pain and disease progression.
ENDOMETRIOSIS IS A COMPLEX DISEASE
While research for this disease has been marginalised for decades, current researchers have been making strides in understanding its pathophysiology. We know that endometriosis is driven by multiple cellular factors, including hormone dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, oncogenic cellular proliferation, invasion into surrounding tissues, and neuromodulation.
Share:
Related Posts
Thorne Celebrates 40 Years of Good Health
Maggie Chandler April 12, 2024 As it’s often said at Thorne, healthy ageing is a gift. It’s about embracing the way you feel, your experiences,
Healthy Coffee Alternatives: When to Quit Coffee & What to Drink Instead
Dr Thomas Wnorowski February 16, 2024 Key Points: Does the idea of quitting coffee make you feel all sorts of (terrible) things? It’s common. But
How Your Social Network Impacts Your Mental Health
Austin Ruff April 17, 2024 Humans are inherently social creatures. It’s in our nature to connect and want to be connected to the people around
Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: Behaviour and Dementia Implications
People take supplements to improve or optimize their health. So what happens when you look at the label, and the ingredient list is filled with
Gut Bacteria and GABA
People take supplements to improve or optimize their health. So what happens when you look at the label, and the ingredient list is filled with