Endometriosis – November 2024 Newsletter
Endometriosis
Hello, this is Dr. Ellen. In this month’s newsletter, I will present an overview of a difficult problem facing many women, endometriosis. It is a problem in which tissue that normally is only found lining the inner part of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. A number of symptoms can arise because of it, including significant pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis as well as difficulty becoming pregnant.(1) Fortunately, I have been able to help many women with this problem using the Ellen Cutler Method (ECM).
By the way, if you haven’t had a chance to see my previous newsletters, you can find them on my website, www.drellencutler.com under ‘Media’.
What is Endometriosis?
As mentioned above, endometriosis is diagnosed when tissue similar to that lining the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This leads to inflammation and scar tissue formation most often in the pelvic region, such as the space around the uterus, within the muscular layer of the uterine wall, the ovaries, and the Fallopian tubes. However, it can also occur elsewhere, including on the moist tissue layer that covers other abdominal organs (the peritoneum), the vagina, and even as distant as the diaphragm and lung.(1,2)
The exact cause of endometriosis remains unclear. Perhaps the most suspected cause is retrograde menstruation, where menstrual blood containing endometrial cells passes back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity. There may be a genetic predisposition for endometriosis, as there is an increased likelihood of it occurring in family lines. Other possible causes of endometriosis include endometrial cells being transported by surgical incision or blood or lymphatic vessels to other parts of the body and the transformation of peritoneal cells into endometrial-like cells.(3)
Although it is the leading cause of infertility, many with mild or moderate endometriosis can still get pregnant and have a healthy baby. For this, some might require fertility treatment, especially as they get older. Endometriosis may cause other problems depending on its location. For example, there can be blood in the urine or stools if it is located in the bladder or intestine, or can lead to difficulty breathing or chest pain if located in the diaphragm or lungs. Severe pain from endometriosis may be the most common symptom and can adversely affect one’s quality of life, leading to anxiety and/or depression.(3)
For many women, the pain of endometriosis may improve after menopause as the body stops producing estrogen. Those using hormone replacement therapy may continue to have symptoms.(4) Very infrequently, endometriosis is initially diagnosed in women who are postmenopausal. Their symptoms are usually similar to those who are diagnosed earlier in their lives, though occasionally the symptoms may appear to be menopausal, such as hot flashes.(5)
Conventional Interventions for Endometriosis
Conventional treatments are used to manage the symptoms of endometriosis, as there is no cure for it. For some, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) or naproxen (e.g., Aleve) may be helpful in decreasing pain. Hormonal therapy may also be used to decrease pain by decreasing the level of estrogens in the body. There are several methods of employing this strategy, such as pills (e.g., danazol), IUD’s, injections, and patches. In some cases, surgery is done to try to remove as much abnormal tissue as possible. And in severe cases, hysterectomy is considered.(1,3)
Complementary and Alternative Interventions.(6,7,8,9)
There are a number of complementary/alternative approaches that may be helpful in mitigating symptoms in those with endometriosis. Lifestyle changes can make a difference. Moving toward a whole food plant-based diet is often helpful. Foods high in isoflavones should be included, such as soy products, chickpeas, celery, and parsley. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, can also help. Both food groups can help counter estrogenic effects. Probiotic foods such as tempeh and kimchi can help balance the microbiome, and prebiotics such as Jerusalem artichokes and jicama can promote healthy growth of the “good” bacteria. Light to moderate exercise can also be very beneficial and should be done to a level that does not provoke pain.
Other complementary methods have been useful for decreasing the pain and discomfort of endometriosis. Physical therapeutic approaches include manipulative therapies, pelvic massage, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and local heat to the lower abdomen. Acupuncture may help induce relaxation and reduce pain. And biofeedback can help the individual learn how to modify their responses to pain by controlling their heart and respiratory rates as well as their muscle tone.
Several supplements may also be useful in decreasing the symptoms of endometriosis, especially pain. Some of the helpful nutraceuticals that have helped some individuals include chamomile, curcumin from turmeric, and green tea or matcha. When indicated, rather than fish oil, I recommend DHA and EPA (omega-3 fatty acids) from algae, which are not contaminated by ocean waters. Progesterone cream from Mexican wild yams may help decrease the overgrowth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus by slowing the formation of new blood vessels, although in some it may give rise to mood swings, fluid retention, and changes in menses. Similar to progesterone cream, resveratrol or quercetin supplementation may also slow the progression of extra-uterine endometrial tissue. In addition, there are homeopathic preparations that may be helpful.(10)
Ellen Cutler Method (ECM)
In my clinical practice, I have had many opportunities to use ECM energetic testing and clearing methods for those suffering with endometriosis. I have been able to help many patients achieve greatly diminished symptoms. Because of these successes, I have been asked to speak numerous times to a regional endometriosis support group. The best results are usually achieved by incorporating a whole food plant-based diet and using a full spectrum digestive enzyme blend at the beginning of each meal. I usually recommend Dr. Ellen’s Way ‘Digest Supreme’ or, for those with gastrointestinal complaints, Dr. Ellen’s Way ‘G.I. Calm’.
Of equal and possibly greater importance is the identification and clearing of energetic sensitivities. Almost all of those with endometriosis have reactivities to their body’s estrogen and to their own adipose tissue, since it is involved in estrogen metabolism in the body. Other commonly found sensitivities include Candida and other types of fungus, strong negative emotions, and different types of food, especially those containing histamine. My testing also usually indicates that both ProEnzol ‘Menstrova’ (designed to help those with menstrual discomfort) as well as progesterone cream from wild yams would be of benefit. It is important to use a wild yam cream that already has the naturally occurring precursor converted into progesterone before being put in the jar. This is necessary for the cream to be effective.
Please be well, be healthy, but remember…
“Treat the patient as a whole, not the hole in the patient”
―― Endometriosis Australia (Facebook group)
Dr. Ellen
References:
- “Endometriosis” at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis#:~:text=Endometriosis%20is%20a%20disease%20in,period%20and%20last%20until%20menopause.
- “Endometriosis” at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10857-endometriosis
- “Endometriosis” at https://www.webmd.com/women/endometriosis/endometriosis-causes-symptoms-treatment
- “Endometriosis” at https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis#:~:text=Endometriosis%20happens%20when%20tissue%20similar%20to%20the%20lining%20on%20the,get%20out%20of%20your%20body.
- “Recognizing Endometriosis After Menopause” at https://www.volusonclub.net/empowered-womens-health/recognizing-endometriosis-after-menopause/#:~:text=Recognizing%20Postmenopausal%20Endometriosis,as%20nausea%2C%20diarrhea%20or%20constipation.
- “9 home remedies for treating endometriosis symptoms” at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321402
- “13 Natural Endometriosis Treatments” at https://www.verywellhealth.com/natural-treatments-for-endometriosis-89275
- “Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Endometriosis” at https://www.brighamandwomens.org/obgyn/infertility-reproductive-surgery/endometriosis/complimentary-and-alternative-therapies-for-endometriosis
- “Endometriosis Treatment: Role of Natural Polyphenols as Anti-Inflammatory Agents” at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10343861/
- “Endometriosis and homeopathy” at https://homeopathy-uk.org/blog/endometriosis-and-homeopathy/
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease.
