What is it?

Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition affected by female sex hormones. In most cases, it causes severe pelvic pain due to the nature of the condition in which functional endometrial tissue is implanted in the pelvis outside the uterine cavity. This condition can be devastating for many women wishing to become pregnant as they will likely to struggle with fertility.

Some common symptoms related to endometriosis include:

• Painful periods

• Pain with intercourse

• Chronic low abdominal pain

• Chronic low back pain

• Infertility

• Pain with urination

Step-by-step approach to treatment

Comprehensive intake and relevant lab testing
We always start by gathering your complete health history, assessing not only the symptoms specific to endometriosis, but also those which relate to the foundations of health - including stress and energy levels, sleep, and digestive health. Relevant lab testing is always discussed. By obtaining lab results - specifically bloodwork - we get a clearer insight into the function of your body’s physiology. These insights are a great tool for guiding treatment. Naturopathic doctors are trained to look for lab results to be within optimal ranges, not just what may be considered conventionally “normal”. This is because you may be within all the normal lab parameters but are still experiencing very real symptoms.

Lab tests commonly run to assess for endometriosis may include:

• Female hormones

• Inflammatory markers

• Blood insulin and glucose markers

• Genetic markers

• Nutrient status
  

Supporting the foundations of health
As with any health concern, supporting the foundations of health is essential, and always where treatment starts.This includes assessing and addressing stress levels, sleep quality, energy levels, digestion and nutrient deficiencies. Specifically with endometriosis, it is extremely important to treat inflammation, insulin and glucose dysregulation and digestion, as these aspects can dramatically improve symptoms related to endometriosis.

Customized treatment plan
Once lab results have been interpreted, a customized treatment plan will be created just for YOU. This is not a one-size-fits-all treatment plan, but rather one that is specific to your individual health concerns that addresses your body’s physiology. You will leave your appointment with your written treatment plan as well as any relevant handouts so that you feel equipped to start your treatment when you get home.
We understand that starting on a new regime of supplements and implementing lifestyle and dietary changes can be overwhelming. If you need support along the way, know that we are here for you. Additional check-in appointments can be made to support you on your journey to optimal health.

Treatment for endometriosis often includes:

• Supporting digestive function and treating any gut infections with antimicrobial herbs

• Decreasing inflammation through diet

• Antioxidant treatment with mitochondrial support

• Supplements to manage pain

• Individualized acupuncture protocols designed to support the immune system, decrease pain and move blood

• Recommendation to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist and osteopath for physical therapies to support the breaking up of adhesions
  

Follow up testing and treatment adjustments
Unless you are doing weekly acupuncture treatments, we typically book you for a follow up appointment at 3 months and 6 months after starting your treatment plan so we can assess symptoms and retest necessary labs. It is our goal and our hope that after treatment has begun you will start to feel noticeable improvements. In some cases it’s not that simple, and further assessment is required. Know that if you’re not seeing improvements, that’s not the end - we can always reassess, do further testing and make adjustments to your plan along the way. The goal is to get you not only feeling better, but feeling like YOU again!

Maintenance - addressing any new concerns
While we are here for you at any time along your health journey, it is not our goal to have you come in for regular appoints. Once you’ve started to have success with your treatment plan you may only require annual, bi-annual or as-needed appointments. In these appointments we assess the original concerns you presented with, as well as any new symptoms or concerns you are experiencing.