7 Natural Ways to Ease Endometriosis Pain

My Endo journey is similar to many other women’s stories I’ve heard. It took more than five years of searching before I discovered why I was experiencing abnormal bleeding, pain, and constant bloating. Finally, after an investigative laparoscopy, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Endometriosis.

I was shocked, in a lot of pain, and felt completely isolated. 

The first thing my doctor did was place me on a drug called Synarel (gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist or GnRH agonist medicine) to suppress my hormones and create artificial menopause. At first, it felt amazing to be pain-free! But then the side effects began to feel unnatural. I could actually feel my body going into menopause.

I knew I needed to take charge of my health and what was happening to my body. So, I took a long hard look at my diet and lifestyle to see what changes I could make in those areas to help my symptoms.

Here’s how changing my diet and lifestyle improved my Endometriosis symptoms.

Pre-diagnosis my lifestyle wasn’t aligned with what most would call “healthy living.” I was drinking too much alcohol and not eating well.

I soon discovered that healthy food, physical activity, and stress management were all key to managing my Endometriosis symptoms.

For me, just a taste of feeling even just a little better was enough to motivate me on my new journey. Thanks to my new healthy lifestyle, combined with excision surgery by a great surgeon who changed my life, I was no longer living in pain. I also discovered a passion for nutrition and yoga.

This led me to create The Healing Yogi – a platform where I share my journey, Endometriosis-friendly recipes, and tips for managing Endometriosis. I’m now a qualified yoga teacher and in my final year studying for a nutrition degree. Not only have I transformed my health, but I’ve found myself a new career, which was completely unexpected!

7 Natural Ways I Eased My Endometriosis Pain

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Eat a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. 

Cut processed foods from your diet and focus on whole foods. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which may help with symptoms (Eating enough fiber can help lower estrogen levels in the body, which is beneficial for Endometriosis.)

Balance your fats (healthy fats vs. trans fats). 

Wild-caught salmon, tuna, sardines, chia seeds, and walnuts are good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids which are known for their anti-inflammatory benefits. Lowering trans fats, which are found in fried and processed food, can also help.

Go organic.

Try to eat organic whenever possible. The pesticides and chemicals used in agriculture and farming may be a contributing factor for Endometriosis.

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Limit your alcohol and sugar intake.

Alcohol has been linked with increased levels of estrogen and some studies have found that women with Endometriosis drink more. I find alcohol causes my symptoms to flare, so I rarely drink these days.

Whether it’s refined or unrefined, too much sugar is inflammatory. If you need a sweet treat, try a homemade hot chocolate (made with cacao and coconut or macadamia milk), a piece of fruit, a smoothie, a couple of pieces of dark chocolate, or a protein ball.

Try going on a gluten-free diet.

I went gluten-free and haven’t looked back since. Removing gluten from my diet has helped my symptoms significantly. Some studies have found that removing gluten can reduce Endometriosis-associated pain.

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Move your body.

Regular physical activity can reduce pain and improve your quality of life. Yoga and walking are my go-to exercise of choice, but that doesn’t mean yoga is right for everyone. Remember, it’s about finding an activity you can enjoy – an activity that makes you feel good.

Consider meditation.

Studies have shown that mindfulness meditation improves quality of life, the ability to cope with pain, stress, depression and anxiety levels. Try starting with five minutes every day and work your way up to 20 minutes. There are lots of ways to meditate, but a good way to start is to focus on your breathing, it doesn’t matter if your mind drifts off, just keep bringing it back to your breath.

Editors note: Remember, everyone is different. This article reflects the views of the #EndoWarrior who wrote it. Please be respectful of her thoughts, feelings, and ideas.