Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful condition that affects 10% of women of reproductive age. This condition occurs when the endometrial tissue that lines the uterus is found outside of the uterus. This tissue can migrate and implant in the fallopian tubes, on the ovaries, and throughout the pelvic cavity. The endometrial tissue responds to the menstrual cycle’s fluctuating hormones just like the lining of the uterus does, so it builds up and sheds every month. The problem is that while menstrual blood can exit the body, endometrial lesions will build up, shed, and have nowhere to go. The result is internal bleeding, scar tissue, and inflammation.

In addition to pain, endometriosis negatively affects fertility in the following ways:

• When endometriosis grows on the ovaries it can lead to egg quality issues.
• When endometriosis grows in the fallopian tubes it can block the tubes, which may prevent egg from meeting sperm, or possibly lead to an ectopic pregnancy.
• The inflammation present when endometriosis grows in the pelvic cavity may affect egg quality, as well as embryo implantation.

Western medicine has multiple theories as to the cause of endometriosis, although none have been proven definitively. These theories include genetic origin, autoimmune origin and chemical exposure. A hormonal imbalance called estrogen dominance might be at play. Perhaps the culprit is a retrograde menstrual flow. This is where menstrual blood leaves the uterus and enters the pelvic cavity through the fallopian tubes. 

Unfortunately, laparoscopic surgery it is often necessary in order to diagnose endometriosis conclusively. Sometimes, a pelvic ultrasound and/or pelvic exam might be enough to lead to a very high suspicion that endometriosis is present. If you are concerned you may have endometriosis, schedule a pelvic exam and ultrasound with your gynecologist. 

For individuals not trying to conceive, the Western treatment for endometriosis includes the following:

• Drug treatment to suppress the hormone estrogen that feeds endometriosis.
• Laparoscopic surgery for removing endometriosis lesions and scar tissue.
• Surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries.

For individuals who hope to conceive, Western treatment typically includes IVF to retrieve as many eggs as possible before the endometriosis progresses further. Some physicians believe that removing the endometriosis through laparoscopic surgery is imperative. The goal is to ensure that egg quality and embryo implantation are not negatively impacted. This is, however, somewhat controversial for fertility patients. The concern some doctors have with laparoscopy is that the surgical removal of the endometriosis on the ovaries may lead to a reduction in the number of remaining follicles.

In Chinese medicine, endometriosis is considered stagnation of blood. Acupuncture increases circulation and reduces inflammation in the pelvic cavity. Fertility treatment with acupuncture helps balance estrogen and progesterone. Chinese herbs have a profound effect at moving blood and balancing estrogen and progesterone. In cases of mild endometriosis, Chinese herbs have the effect of breaking up the endometrial implants and scar tissue in the pelvic cavity. Dietary changes, exercise, and anti-inflammatory supplements all help reduce the symptoms of endometriosis, while preventing its progression. At Revive Acupuncture, we tailor these holistic recommendations for each case individually depending on your lab results.

Research comparing acupuncture and Chinese herbs to Western hormonal medications to suppress endometriosis, found that acupuncture and herbs are as effective as a hormone modulating medication in treating endometriosis. Other previous research has documented that acupuncture can balance hormones, decrease pain, and limit the size and spread of endometrial tissue.