Holistic Endometriosis Treatment NYC

Endometriosis is a condition in which the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) escapes the uterus and attaches to structures in the abdomen and the endometrial tissue grows in responses to monthly fluctuations in estrogen. This is the reason why women with endometriosis experience pelvic pain, irregular and often heavy painful periods, midcycle bleeding, and infertility. The excess endometrial tissue of endometriosis can be found in lungs and along the large and small intestines causing digestive issues and bloating. The excruciating and often debilitating pain can be present throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle, not just when she is on her period. Conventional treatment usually involves hormonal suppression with hormonal birth control and/or laparoscopic surgery. Unfortunately even with laparoscopic surgery, the rate of recurrence is estimated to be between 40-50% within 5 years.

Why does Endometriosis Happen

The exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown and most likely varies from woman to woman. Here are some of the current possible hypothesis

• Retrograde Menstrual Flow – This theory suggests that the cause of endometriosis is menstrual blood flowing in the wrong direction causing the blood to come out the fallopian tubes and into the abdomen. This is one of the reasons why women are discouraged from performing inversions like head stand in their yoga class when they are on their period. Actually retrograde menstrual flow is fairly common occurring in about 76-90% of women. But it could be that women with endometriosis have a higher frequency or volume of retrograde menstrual blood.

• Autoimmune/Altered Immunity – A high level of anti-endometrial antibodies has been found in some women with endometriosis demonstrating a possible autoimmune component to endometriosis. Women with endometriosis have also been found to have significantly more hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, autoimmune diseases, allergies and asthma in women with endometriosis compared to the general population.

• Estrogen Dominance – Estrogen dominance is more and more common due to the standard American diet, inactivity, stress and our toxic world. Excess estrogen causes the growth of endometrial tissues. Some studies have indicated that excess estrogen can lead to the production of autoimmune antibodies and estrogen dominance alters immunity contributing to the progression and development of endometriosis.

• Genetics – Mothers and sisters of a woman with endometriosis are 7 times more likely to develop endometriosis themselves

Naturopathic Approaches to Endometriosis

Naturopathic doctors approach endometriosis in a natural holistic (whole person) way. Because the main driver of endometriosis is estrogen, naturopathic doctors look to determine the cause of estrogen excess and to manage it naturally. With a naturopathic approach the following is addresses.

1. Hormonal and nutrient testing

2. Reduction and elimination of existing endometriosis tissue

3. Enhanced detoxification and excretion of excess estrogen and xenoestrogens (foreign estrogens)

4. Moderation of estrogen activity through proper diet, stress reduction, and exercise

5. Natural Pain relief for endometriosis

Try These Natural Endometriosis Remedies

The immune system is responsible for identifying and resolving this anomalous tissue. Acupuncture can be used to help stimulate immune system activity in the abdomen and enhance resolution of endometrial implants.15

Castor oil packs  

Nightly use of castor oil packs can work to dissolve foreign tissue growth, including endometriosis. Castor oil packs may be effective as an anti-toxin and for enhanced immunological function.

Endometriosis Diet

A clean, whole foods, low-glycemic index, low-glycemic load diet that is free from immune-suppressing foods like sugar, processed carbohydrates, red meat, dairy, GMO foods, and additives and preservatives is essential to expedite resolution of endometriosis tissue

Foods to Avoid

• Gluten. Regular ingestion of gluten has been directly associated with pain in women with endometriosis and significant improvement in pain can often be experienced with in 1 year of a gluten-free diet.

• Dairy. Animal dairy products (even organic ones) contain naturally-occurring hormones (progesterone, estrogen and testosterone).

• Red meat. Commercially-raised red meat often contains dioxin, xenoestrogens, and antibiotics.

• Pork.  Pork is one of the fattiest meats, which means it stores more toxins than lean meats.

• Non-organic foods. Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, hormones, and other toxins found in non-organic food can interfere with normal regulation of hormones and other bodily functions

Foods to Emphasize

• Fresh, Organic Vegetables and Fruits. high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds

• High-fiber Foods. Fiber helps the body get rid of excess estrogens through the digestive tract.

• Fatty Acids. Essential fatty acids, especially omega-3s, help reduce inflammation in the body, which can lessen the pain that comes with endometriosis

Key Supplements for Endometriosis

• Pinus maritima (pycnogenol): Pycnogenol is a powerful antioxidant from the bark of the pine tree and has been shown to reduce endometriosis symptoms in about 4 months.

• N-acetylcysteine (NAC): Strong antioxidant and precursor for glutathione.

• Indole-3-carbinol (I3C): I3C and Diindolylmethane (DIM) come from cruciferous vegetables like kale and broccoli. They help estrogen clearance by increasing phase II liver enzyme activity, particularly glutathione-S-transferase (GST).

• Calcium-D-glucarate: Supports second phase of liver detoxification and processing of conjugating hormones, carcinogens, or other lipid‑soluble toxins.

• Vitamin D3: Vitamin D3 may help reduce endometriosis cysts

• Curcumin: Curcumin may reduce inflammation through inhibition of NFkappaB and to cause regression of endometriotic lesions

Ready to get a handle on your endometriosis? Then schedule a naturopathic appointment with Dr Ivy.

Is Naturopathic Telemedicine effective for Endometriosis?

Absolutely! Even before the pandemic Dr Ivy has offered virtual appointments to patients for various reasons including international and out-of-state patients, patients with small children, patients with mobility or transportation issues and patients preferring the convenience of having their appointments from their home or office.  These patients have been able to achieve the same results as Dr Ivy’s in-office patients as Dr Ivy uses:

• A HIPAA compliant electronic medical records system called CHARM

  • Patients can upload past diagnostic and blood work as well as recommend additional testing including the DUTCH test for review.

  • Uses a private and secure version of Zoom.

• An online Dispensary for patients to easily order physician grade herbs and nutrients that are quickly delivered to the patient.