Endometriosis & Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

What is Endometriosis & PCOS
Endometriosis is the presence of endometrial cells (which make up the lining of the uterus) outside the uterus in the pelvic cavity
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a complicated condition that affects a women's menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones and insulin production.

The Clinical Symptoms Of PCOS
Delayed or absent menstruation or dysfunctional uterine bleeding
Infertility
Hirsutism
Obesity
Overgrowth of uterine lining
Enlarged cystic ovaries

What you can do!

Lose some weight if you need
Increase essential fatty acids
Eat a wide range of fruits, vegetables, low-fat protein such as chicken, fish & beans
Balance your blood sugar by limiting your carbohydrate intake. Eat healthy carbs such as wholegrain
Get plenty of antioxidant nutrients from foods and supplements. They fight inflammation, which can exacerbate PCOS
Get regular exercise to increase your metabolism. Aim for half and hr every day
Reduce stress levels. Stress stimulates more production of hormones. Try yoga, meditation or a warm bath
See an acupuncturist. Acupuncture helps balance hormones including LH, FSH and testosterone.

What are the symptoms of Endometriosis?
Common symptoms are: menstrual cramps, difficult or painful intercourse, prolonged menstrual bleeding, lower back pain, irregular bowel movements, nausea and vomiting in severe cases. Not everyone who has endo experiences menstrual pain.

The main Causes of Endometriosis
No one really knows what causes endometriosis
From what we understand it can be excess estrogen production, immune system weakness and retrograde menstruation (blood and tissue flowing back into the fallopian tubes)

Clinical Symptoms of Endometriosis
Menstrual cramps, painful periods, heavy periods, severe ovulation cramps, difficult or painful intercourse, prolonged menstrual bleeding, lower back pain, irregular bowel movements, or painful bowel movements, lower back pain, nausea and vomiting in severe cases & ovarian cysts and infertility.

How can Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine help?
Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
Important goal of acupuncture for endometriosis is to achieve and to maintain maximum uterine blood flow.
Reduce inflammation and improve blood flow in the pelvic area
Reduce over active immune response
Achieve optimal balance and health for fertility
Chinese Medicine is generally prescribed during your period.
It helps to reduce painful periods and cramps and improve blood flow.

What can you do?
Much of what you can do to tame endometriosis is aimed at reducing exposure to excess estrogen, supporting the liver (as it breaks down estrogen) and improving circulation.
See an acupuncturist to clear inflammation and improve blood flow in your pelvic area
Include omega 3 fatty acids in your diet to fight inflammation and improve blood flow
Take evening primrose oil, eat fruits rich in Vitamin C and bioflavonoid, and avoid hydrogenated fats to combat inflammation
Avoid too many estrogen producing foods such as tofu, soy products and edamame. Their phystoestrogens can make endometriosis and fibroids worse.
Improve your blood flow by avoiding strenuous exercise during your period (gentle or moderate is good). Use pads instead of tampons which can interfere with blood flood
Avoid alcohol, whilst it may feel as though it relieves tension/stress it will worsen hormonal imbalances.
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