Endometriosis, alongside Functional Medicine & Nutrition
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, causing painful periods, pelvic pain, and infertility. Symptoms vary widely, with some women experiencing only mild discomfort while others are debilitated. Other symptoms may include heavy menstrual bleeding, painful intercourse, and gastrointestinal issues. The pain can be a constant ache, making it challenging to manage day-to-day activities. Endometriosis is a common but often misunderstood condition that affects millions of women worldwide.
In conversation with Fertility Specialist & Nutritional Therapist
I spoke with Julia, one of the Surrey Centre for Nutrition team, about the link between nutrition, endometriosis and fertility. Julia is a Nutritional Therapist specialising in fertility. She is registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CHNC) and the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT). Julia helps couples struggling to conceive to realise their dream of having a family. Julia offers personalised nutrition and lifestyle support and believes in the importance of getting to the root cause of people’s fertility issues.
How does nutritional therapy work to combat the root cause of endometriosis?
Nutritional therapy aims to uncover and support the root causes of endometriosis rather than just the symptoms. The causes of endometriosis are not yet fully understood, however there are a number of theories as to its aetiology. For example, there are reports regarding an association between endocrine disrupting chemicals (chemicals which mimic or interfere with hormones in the body’s endocrine system) and endometriosis. Endometriosis is also thought to be associated with an interaction with the immune system, where the body cannot destroy the endometrial tissue which is growing outside of the womb. There is also a link between endometriosis and autoimmune disease. Another possible explanation is known as retrograde menstruation, where there is a backflow of blood from the uterus. When it comes to endometriosis, understanding family history is also important, due to its genetic predisposition.
How does nutritional therapy target the symptoms and causes of endometriosis differently from conventional medicine?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for endometriosis. Conventional treatment aims to reduce the symptoms of endometriosis, and includes pain management with anti-inflammatory medication, hormonal treatment which aims to reduce the production of oestrogen to inhibit the growth of endometrial cells, and surgery via laparoscopy to destroy the endometriosis. Although surgical treatment can be successful, endometrial tissue can return over time.
Nutritional therapy cannot cure endometriosis, however it can help to manage the condition. Areas of focus include supporting gut health, as there is an overlap between the symptoms of endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Supporting the gut microbiome (the trillions of bacteria that reside in the gut) is important as there is a link between pathogenic bacteria that resides in the gut and the onset and progression of endometriosis. Furthermore, the gut microbiome is involved in the regulation of oestrogen. If there is gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of bacteria in the gut) this may lead to an increase in oestrogen levels which can drive endometriosis.
Due to the inflammatory nature of endometriosis, immune system support is key. Endometriosis is associated with fertility issues and can impact implantation success and increase miscarriage risk, therefore supporting the vaginal microbiome is also important to make sure there is no bacteria there that could be impacting fertility.
What does endometriosis do to a woman's hormones?
Women with endometriosis tend to have higher levels of oestrogen. If oestrogen levels are not in balance with other hormones, an imbalance can occur. Signs and symptoms of this include weight gain, poor skin and acne, excess body and facial hair, brittle nails, low energy, mood swings, heavy and painful periods, a loss of libido and digestive issues.
What's the connection between endometriosis and weight?
Too much oestrogen in the body, also known as oestrogen dominance, may lead to weight gain. Endometriosis can cause bloating which can lead to fluid retention and increased weight. Altered bowel habits, including constipation, can also be a symptom of endometriosis which may also lead to weight gain. However, some studies have shown that the pain, discomfort, and nausea associated with endometriosis, can cause a decrease in appetite and weight loss.
How can I support my fertility with endometriosis through diet?
As endometriosis is an inflammatory condition, the key to supporting fertility with women with this condition is to focus on following an anti-inflammatory diet. This includes reducing or removing anything in your diet that might be increasing inflammation such as alcohol, gluten, dairy, and sugar.
It is also important to focus on having a nutrient dense diet, including lots of colourful vegetables and fruit; protein; healthy fats such as oily fish, olive oil, nuts and seeds; beans and lentils; wholegrains; herbs and spices; and there’s even room for some dark chocolate.
What dietary changes would a functional nutritionist recommend to support endometriosis and fertility?
With endometriosis, a food first approach can be very effective. Focusing on eating a nutrient dense diet and making sure that the gut is functioning optimally is key. This includes supporting digestive health and the absorption of nutrients (including eating plenty of fibre and having healthy bowel movements).
Lifestyle factors are also important for helping to manage endometriosis, including managing stress, as stress can exacerbate symptoms and impair gut function, as well as focusing on good quality sleep and avoiding environmental toxins.
Are you struggling with symptoms of endometriosis?
Book a FREE discovery call with us at the Surrey Centre for Nutrition to opt for a natural and holistic approach to your condition. We integrate Nutritional Therapy with Functional Medicine to ensure that you have a treatment plan completely suited to you and your needs.
