Endometriosis - there are symptoms other than pain

Endometriosis is known largely because of the debilitating pain it causes many of its hosts. But pain is not the only symptom of endometriosis nor is it necessary to the disease. For example, some categories we deal with when treating symptoms of this disease include digestion, skin and fatigue.

TCM for Endometriosis

At AcuNatural Health we treat conditions holistically meaning that we address the root causes of symptoms. Some may see endometriosis as the root cause of symptoms of digestion or fatigue, but from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM perspective) it is a symptom of imbalance.  The symptoms you experience give us a clearer picture of what is happening internally. This helps us treat the symptoms as well as the endometriosis, preventing you from feeling worse.

Endometriosis and Digestion

Endometriosis affects everyone differently but digestive issues are very common. Even if the endometriomas are not growing around the bowels or digestive tract they can irritate and cause issues there.

For people with endometriosis they often experience digestive issues because of underacting thyroids. Consequently these women can have slow metabolic rates which cause sluggish digestion therefore allowing for unhealthy bacteria to grow in the gut causing symptoms.

Some symptoms that occur are:

  • Bloating

  • Diarrhoea

  • Constipation

  • Painful bowel movements

  • Nausea (especially around period)

  • Digestive (abdominal) pain

  • Vomiting

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Your gut works best clear of toxins and full of good bacteria.

How We Help Endometriosis and Digestion

Slow digestion is an issue because it makes absorbing nutrition difficult which can lead to fatigue (another common symptom) and inflammation due to bad bacteria growth.  Additionally, it means your immune system is weakened. Some ways we can treat this include strengthening the digestive organs such as the intestines, spleen and stomach.

We also target stress which is a big contributor to flare ups. Acupuncture is great for decreasing stress and anxiety, releasing endorphins and improving sleep – all will have you feeling better.

See our diverticulitis article for more information on how we help digestive issues.

Endometriosis and Skin

Our skin is our largest organ and is a direct reflection of what is happening internally. When skin issues arise this is a sign that something is out of balance. For those with endometriosis it then makes sense that a very common symptom is skin issues.  In fact, research suggests that women with endometriosis are more likely to have inflammatory diseases such as eczema and allergies.

Some symptoms we see are:

  • Hormonal acne

  • Rosacea

  • Psoriasis

  • Dermatitis

  • Eczema

Endometriosis and skin issues

How We Help Endometriosis and Skin Issues

Our preferred way to treat skin issues is by a combination of healing the gut and balancing hormones. For example, the digestive system is where toxins build up and when this system gets overwhelmed it pushes these toxins out whatever way it can which is through the skin.

We help rid the body of these toxins by supporting your liver function. Your liver‘s job is to process hormones and balance your body chemistry. By improving liver health we can not only clear your skin but reduce hormones that promote endometriosis growth.

Endometriosis and Fatigue

This fatigue is chronic and very misunderstood by others. One study found women with endometriosis are more likely to have chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. This fatigue can be as debilitating as pelvic pain and many women have to take time off from work because of it, which can lead to more stress, compounding their condition.

Symptoms of this fatigue include:

  • Feeling tired or low energy

  • Feeling weak

  • Inability to concentrate or focus

  • Memory issues

  • Headaches

  • Dizziness

  • Frequent illnesses such as colds and flus

  • Muscle and joint pain

  • Insomnia and other sleep disturbances

Endometriosis can cause chronic fatigue

How We Help Fatigue

In TCM, endometriosis patients who have fatigue are suffering from blood loss. Blood is connected to nutritional absorption and low blood means that iron is not being absorbed properly and toxins are not being eliminated efficiently either.

To treat this we work to make sure the body can produce enough blood and recycle the old blood sufficiently. This can involve boosting spleen energy to make sure toxins are being filtered out of the body and boosting the kidneys which helps build new blood in TCM.

Additionally, fatigue is closely linked with digestion so by addressing digestive issues and improving the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from your food we can also improve your energy levels.

Holistic Treatment

Endometriosis affects 1 in 9 Australian women. For many of them pain is a dominant symptom of their condition. But there are many other symptoms that can affect sufferers. As a result of TCM’s holistic approach to health it is a great tool for treating not just symptoms but also the root cause of the endometriosis.  No matter your situation or state of endometriosis acupuncture and TCM can help you.