This article will focus on endometriosis and how this insidious disease negatively impacts the lives of millions of women world-wide. Many aspects of the condition will be discussed, including symptoms and possible causes, with conventional treatment options.  Given the complexity of the disease, and the difficulty many have in reducing symptoms and healing the disorder, I feel it is essential to offer holistic advice which could benefit the patient, which will include lifestyle and dietary changes which could help, in addition, homeopathic remedies, which have been seen to dramatically improve the condition in many patients.  As always, an integrated approach to treatment may be beneficial.

Over the last few days, the devastating impact the gynaecological condition endometriosis is having on the lives of thousands of women in the UK has been revealed; it affects over 1.5 million women in the UK. Awareness is being raised, following a research study conducted by the BBC, having consulted more than 13,500 women, and the debilitating effect it is having on their education, career, sex life, and mental health, with around half stating they have experienced suicidal thoughts.  Described by suffers as: ‘A bursting of darkness that stops you in your tracks, excruciating pain, irregular bleeding, pain ‘like hot knives stabbing through me, like fireworks going off inside me, like something twisting and stretching and taking over me.’ ‘Pain is like barbed wire wrapped around your insides and someone's pulling it while at the same time an animal is trying to eat its way through you.’ Unimaginable pain, therefore, which has to be seriously acknowledged and effectively treated.

There is a huge call to address the situation with the diagnosis time an unacceptable 7.5 years on average. Clearly, given the devastating impact on physical and emotional health, this must be dramatically reduced.  Minister for Women’s Health Caroline Dinenage said: ‘Too often across society women's bodies are seen as an inconvenience, with their symptoms and health concerns not taken seriously enough. Thankfully, awareness of endometriosis and other painful and debilitating menstrual conditions is increasing – but there is still a long way to go.’ (Endometriosis UK:2019.)

What is it?

Endometriosis is an often-painfuldisorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus — the endometrium — grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis most commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis. Rarely, endometrial tissue may spread beyond pelvic organs. Withendometriosis, displaced endometrial tissue continues to act as it normally would — it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. Because this displaced tissue has no way to exit your body, it becomes trapped. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may form. Surrounding tissue can become irritated, eventually developing scar tissue and adhesions — abnormal bands of fibrous tissue that can cause pelvic tissues and organs to stick to each other. (Mayo clinic)

Symptoms

The primary symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often associated with menstrual periods. Although many experience cramping during their menstrual periods, those with endometriosis typically describe menstrual pain that's far worse than usual. Pain also may increase over time.

Common signs and symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Painful periods (dysmenorrhea). Pelvic pain and cramping may begin before and extend several days into a menstrual period. You may also have lower back and abdominal pain.


• Pain with intercourse. Pain during or after sex is common with endometriosis.


• Pain with bowel movements or urination. You're most likely to experience these symptoms during a menstrual period.


• Excessive bleeding. You may experience occasional heavy menstrual periods or bleeding between periods (intermenstrual bleeding).


• Sometimes, endometriosis is first diagnosed in those seeking treatment for infertility.

Other signs and symptoms.arefatigue, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating or nausea, especially during menstrual periods.(Mayo Clinic)

Risk factors

Several factors place you at greater risk of developing endometriosis, such as:

• Never giving birth


• Starting your period at an early age


• Going through menopause at an older age


• Short menstrual cycles — for instance, less than 27 days


• Heavy menstrual periods that last longer than seven days


• Having higher levels of oestrogen in your body or a greater lifetime exposure to oestrogen your body produces


• Low body mass index


• One or more relatives (mother, aunt or sister) with endometriosis


• Any medical condition that prevents the normal passage of menstrual flow out of the body

(Mayo Clinic)

Conventional Treatment

Conventional options include pain medication, hormone therapy, including hormonal contraceptives, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists, progestin therapy, aromatase inhibitors, surgery. For in-depth details on all of these options please refer to Mayo Clinic website.

The homeopathic and holistic approach

Treatment, as ever, from a homeopathic and holistic point of view, would focus on the whole person and their unique symptoms. A full case would be taken which would involve everything, physical and emotional concerning the patient, and what is ‘peculiar’ to their individual experience. A constitutional remedy would be given. (This is a remedy which covers the person, in their totality.) Sometimes, other remedies will be given to cover the acute phase of the illness. Progress will be monitored on a regular basis.  There are many remedies with an affinity to the female reproductive system, but they would have to fit the presentation of the presenting symptoms, there is no one size fits all. For example, in cases where fertility is impaired remedies such as oophorinum and folliculinum have been seen to encourage ovulation, with successful outcome. (British Homeopathic Association: 2001) Other remedies seen to be effective, (both locally and constitutionally) in specific cases following an audit were, apis, for pelvic pain, candida 30c, carcinosin for one woman who had a strong family history of cancer, lachesis, pulsatilla, sepia, sulphur, nux vomica and calcarea carbonica. In addition, cimicifuga, an interesting symptom of which is ‘the more the flow, the greater the pain’ has also seen to be effective in these circumstances. (British Homeopathic Association: 2006) Homeopathy, using potentised oestrogen has also proven to be effective in reducing endometriosis induced pelvic pain, according to a double blind, placebo control study: (Homeopathy for endometriosis pain:2017)

Lifestyle advice

The Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologist guidelines for the ‘Investigations and Management of Endometriosis (2006) state: ‘Many women with endometriosis report that nutritional and complementary therapies such as homeopathy, reflexology, traditional Chinese medicine or herbal treatments, do improve pain symptoms. They should not be ruled out if the woman feels they could be beneficial for her overall pain management and/or quality of life, or work in conjunction with more modern medical therapies’ (Royal college of obstetricians and gynaecologists:2006.)

General lifestyle changes should involve reducing stress and simplifying day to day existence as far as possible. Incorporate gentle exercise, and time to yourself, however making sure you integrate with friends, laugh and play, this is not just the premise of children! This also applies to crying, should you feel you need to. Try not to let the illness define you; you are not a label, you are unique, and so is your presentation of this condition, which is why it important for your healthcare provider to listen to your concerns, both emotional and physical. We are not a collection of parts, we are thoughts, feelings, emotions, which more often than not, affect our physical body.

To help reduce pain and inflammation and oxidative damage, diet, supplements and physical therapies can be incorporated. It is found that a holistic, body-system-based functional medicine approach to healing the root causes of endometriosis to be the most effective in reducing pain and unhealthy tissue, and healing damage. Unlike a pharmaceutical or surgical approach, this is a long-term, sustainable approach and includes reducing inflammation and oxidative damage (the tissue damage caused by chronic inflammation), supporting healthy hormone levels, and improving the body’s natural detoxification processes—through diet, supplements, and physical therapies.

Dr Aviva Rom, midwife and MD, (https://avivaromm.com/about/) uses the following anti-inflammatories supplements, to treat her patients:

• Curcumin (an extract from turmeric, also a great antioxidant)—1200-2400 mg/day


• Bromelain (an enzyme from pineapple)—200-800 mg/day


• Quercetin (an extract from apples, onions, and omega 3 fats from fish oil)—250 mg three times/day


• Omega 3 fats from fish oil (a DHA and EPA combination)

She then recommends a combination of these antioxidants to help prevent and reverse local tissue damage from inflammation:

• N-acetylcysteine (NAC)—600 mg three times/day


• Pine bark (pycnogenol)—30 mg twice/day


• Green tea (ECGC)—up to 300 mg three times/day

As an experienced expert in this field, she also suggests that a diet that is anti-inflammatory and low in toxins is essential, which could involve removing known triggers such as dairy produce, gluten, corn, sugar and possibly red meat, opting rather for chicken or fish, which tends overall, to be less of a cause of inflammation in those with endometriosis.  but again, check if these are applicable to you first by consulting an allergy specialist or nutritionist. Caffeine may add to endometriosis symptoms in some women, so if you’re drinking coffee each day, try a couple of months without it. Green tea is a good antioxidant-rich alternative if you just must have some caffeine. (https://goop.com/wellness/sexual-health/a-guide-to-understanding-and-holistically-treating-endometriosis/)

To conclude, I would suggest a multimodality, individualised approach to treatment, which could include all of what has been mentioned above, certainly any therapeutic method which improves the physical and emotional health of the patient. It is also essential that a woman be listened to and nurtured, her concerns discussed and not dismissed. I also feel it is essential that education and training for those in the medical sphere should be improved for this condition, given that it is often missed, and dismissed, for more than seven years, on average. Training in complementary therapies to help support the complexities included in the diagnosis, where clearly the strict drug approach is inadequate is necessary, failing this, appropriate referrals. Quality of life could be vastly improved for those afflicted by adopting this approach and clearly that is a wonderful step forward.

To contact a homeopath in your area, please visit www.findahomeopath.org

Gill Graham

www.consultanthomeopath.com

References

British Homeopathic Association, (2001): Endometriosis[on-line] Available at:  https://www.britishhomeopathic.org/charity/how-we-can-help/articles/womens-health/endometriosis-2/

British Homeopathic Association, (2006 )Endometriosis:[on-line] Available at:  https://www.britishhomeopathic.org/charity/how-we-can-help/articles/conditions/e/endometriosis-3/

Contemporary Obgyn, (2017) [on-line] Available at: Homeopathy for endometriosis pain: https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/endometriosis/homeopathy-endometriosis-pain

Endometriosis UK, (2019) [on-line] Available at:https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/news/bbc-research-announced-today-wake-call-provide-better-care-15-million-endometriosis-37606#.XZuml-dKhn0

Mayo Clinic. Endometriosis.[on-line] Available at:   https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656

Royal college of obstetricians and gynaecologists (2006) The investigation and management of endometriosis[on-line] Available at:  https://www.pelvicpain.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/InvestigationEndometriosis2006-guidelines.pdf

A poll of 2,000 adults found Brits spend an average of £1,091.26 each year on gym memberships, vitamins and supplements, prescriptions, exercise classes and healthy foods.

And over the course of a 60.3 year average adult lifespan, that adds up to a staggering £65,802.98

The average Brit spends an average of £113.46 each year on gym memberships, another £123.60   on vitamins and supplements, and an extra £66 on protein powders.

They’ll also spend £28.98 a year on new exercise gear, clothing and equipment to help with their workouts.

And those who use alternative medicines and therapies will spend £31.98 a year on the treatments.

The research was conducted by 4Homeopathy, in support of Homeopathy Awareness Week (10-16th April).

A spokesperson for 4Homeopathy said: “Looking after your health is one of the most important things you can do.

“There are so many ways you can dedicate funds to improve your health and wellbeing, and we are encouraged by the results of the study which indicate many Brits would be open to alternative therapies in the future.

“We know that many people – with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle being the latest high-profile examples - are already enjoying or exploring the positive health benefits of complementary and alternative medicines.”



A third of adults would consider using complementary or homeopathic alternatives for an ailment in the future, and one in six are already using alternative methods to help with their illness.

The survey, conducted by OnePoll.com, also explored attitudes to healthcare and wellness.

Seven in 10 Brits think about the state of their health on a regular basis, with the average adult visiting the doctor three times a year.

Men are more likely to spend money on vitamins, protein powders and exercise supplements to stay healthy, while women prioritise their spend on healthy foods.

And one in 10 have put off visiting their doctor in case it resulted in a costly diagnosis they would struggle to afford.

However, 12 per cent are already currently suffering with a medical condition that causes them significant expense to treat.

But only 14 per cent of adults surveyed in the study currently have a savings account reserved specifically in case of emergency.

Londoners are most likely to fret about the state of their health, while those living in the North West are the most relaxed about their physical wellbeing.

Residents of Oxford are most likely to rate their general health as excellent, while those living in Cambridge are most likely to rate their health poorly.

4Homeopathy’s spokesperson added: “A health issue can feel daunting, putting strain on physical, psychological and financial elements.

“This Homeopathy Awareness Week we would encourage Brits to explore other alternative avenues of healthcare especially if traditional routes are causing anxiety or are proving ineffective”.

To read the full results of this study visit: FindAHomeopath.org

4Homeopathy is an alliance of 11 of the UK’s largest homeopathic organisations working together to promote the benefits of homeopathy.

Find out more and take our special Homeopathy Awareness Week survey at FindAHomeopath.org #TryHomeopathy

PRESS RELEASE 13TH DECEMBER 2018



 

Press release shared from iCAMhub

VOTE NOW!

We have less than a week left to reach the target and push for a debate in parliament about homeopathy and herbal medicines on the NHS.  The consultation which prompted the petition is being challenged legally and the more signatures the better visibility of the issue by those reviewing the case and MPs.  Importantly this does not just concern current users of NHS facilities, but also everyone who might be in need of these services in the future.

If you believe in free choice in health care and want to see options available for people who can’t be helped by conventional medicine, and could never afford private care,  vote now and please pass the link on as widely as you can.

Petition: Stop NHS England from removing herbal and homeopathic medicines

NB: Your vote will not be counted until you have received an email from the petition organisers and clicked back on their link. It appears that these emails are going in to the junk folders of many people and so the votes are never confirmed. If you do not receive an email within a couple of minutes of voting please check your junk mail.

'The RCVS’ position statement on homeopathy and other complementary therapies has set a “dangerous precedent” that limits the clinical freedom the veterinary profession has always enjoyed, it has been claimed.'

Recently published in the Vet Times, David Woodmansey shares his, and others' concerns that the RCVS failed to consult with homeopathic stakeholders before releasing their recent statement on homeopathy.

You can read it in full here:

www.vettimes.co.uk/news/serious-implications-in-rcvs-stance-on-homeopathy-claim/

If you, or your animal has benefitted from homeopathy and you would like to have your voice heard in support of homeopathic vets then please sign and share the petition here:

www.thepetitionsite.com/219/768/240/we-need-to-stop-the-rcvs-from-banning-homeopathic-vets-from-treating-animals

Want to find out more?

The Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) issued a statement on the 2nd November 2017 effectively threatening legal action under the Animal Welfare Act if a vet, and potentially the owner, use homeopathy or other complementary medicines before using conventional pharmaceuticals.

Suspicious?? You should be. The intentions of the Council of the RCVS are clear. After Brexit complementary medicines won't be protected by EU law and the corporate pharmaceutical industry could reign supreme.

Amazingly the RCVS Council made this statement without consulting any homeopathic vets, academics or researchers. Instead the council were influenced by a group of sceptics, non of whom have ever studied, qualified in and practiced homeopathy. There is poor evidence for much of conventional veterinary practice and procedures. However the basis of this RCVS council statement is that homeopathy does not have a recognised body of evidence. This is totally incorrect.

Do you believe in your right to decide what is best for the welfare of your animal and your right to complementary medicine?

Ultimately do you believe in freedom of choice?

Please join many thousands of others and sign the petition below, share to Facebook and send it to all email contacts.

www.thepetitionsite.com/en-gb/219/768/240/we-need-to-stop-the-rcvs-from-banning-homeopathic-vets-from-treating-animals/

If you have any expertise or resources and want to help the campaign, please get in touch with the British Association of Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons (BAHVS) www.bahvs.com/contact-us/

You can view the response of the British Association of Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons at www.bahvs.com/rcvs-statement/

Join the support group on Facebook - We Support Veterinary Homeopathy and Complementary Therapies