Rose Ngweni Mwaniki

5 Ways to Cope With Endometriosis Endometriosis occurs when the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus) develops outside the uterus. This lining can develop on other places like the pelvis lining, fallopian tubes and the ovaries. With every menstrual cycle, the misplaced lining acts as it normally would. It thickens and breaks down to flow as period. This period blood has no outlet and therefore it gets trapped causing inflammation and adhesions to the tissue. Endometriosis symptoms include severe period pains (cramps), agonizing back pain and excess menstrual flow. These symptoms make it a difficult condition to live with. Living with endometriosis can interfere with your job, your relationship, family responsibilities and mental health. There is no known cure for endometriosis but there are ways that can help you cope with this condition. Here are 5 ways to help you cope with endometriosis. 1. Manage your diet Watching what you consume when living with endometriosis is essential. There are few changes you can make in your diet to help improve this condition. Increase fruits and vegetables intake. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of fibre which lowers estrogen levels in the blood. Increasing your fruits and vegetables intake helps reduce endometriosis symptoms since it is an estrogen related condition. Reduce red meat and increase omega-3 fats in your plate Red meat is known to contain high levels of proteins which increase the levels of estrogen in the blood. This can increase endometriosis symptoms. Omega-3 fats on the other hand are anti-inflammatory fats found in fish. Consuming these fats will reduce inflammation caused by endometriosis. You could also reduce caffeine and alcohol intake, limit processed food consumption, include soy in your meals and try gluten free foods. 2. Exercise frequently Exercising frequently helps reduce endometriosis symptoms. These exercises include walking, swimming, dancing and yoga. They help increase oxygen flow in your system, stimulate the circulation of blood and most importantly reduce the levels of estrogen in the blood. Low estrogen levels reduce endometriosis. 3. Manage stress It is important to keep stress levels at the lowest. High stress levels can make endometriosis symptoms worse. The impact that endometriosis has on your life can be one of the sources of high stress levels. Relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, guided imagery, deep breathing and listening to music are known to reduce stress. These relaxation techniques help your mind relax and focus hence reducing stress. 4. Seek treatment Treatment options are available to help you cope with endometriosis. Taking into consideration your age, whether you want to conceive and your symptoms. Surgery can be done to remove the endometriosis implants. It can also be recommended you take over the counter medication like ibuprofen. Hormonal therapy can help reduce endometriosis symptoms and also prevent future growth of endometriosis implants. When trying to conceive In-Vitro Fertilization may be recommended. 5. Consider alternative therapies You may consider alternative therapies before seeking treatment. This can give you a feeling of control over your condition. The best alternative therapies include taking supplements like calcium d-glucarate which help the body get rid of excess estrogen. You could also consider taking herbs like peppermint, lavender, cinnamon and ginger which are known to reduce endometriosis pain. Acupuncture is another alternative therapy known to be effective in reducing endometriosis pain. Conclusion Endometriosis can be a difficult disorder to live with since it has no cure. By managing your diet, exercising frequently, managing stress, seeking treatment and considering alternative therapies are can help you cope with endometriosis. Practice these ways today and find relief you’re seeking for on coping with endometriosis.