Just how do you choose a natural or complimentary therapy to help with the pain and the multitude of symptoms of endometriosis? This article gives an insight into what to look for in a natural therapy practitioner and questions to ask before seeing a practitioner
There are many complementary approaches to health, often with a confusing overlap of influences and theories, and an immense variety of methods for diagnosis and treatment. With the increasing popularity of complementary and alternative medicine, the number of therapies available has grown enormously.
The instincts you have about a therapy or a practitioner are important, as belief and trust play a significant role in healing. Make sure that your practitioner is reputable and well trained.
You are likely to respond better to a therapy if its principles fit with your ideas on well-being and you feel comfortable with the approach they are using. It is vital that you 'hit it off' with any practitioner you are going to see and bear in mind that you will be sharing some very personal information - so trust is imperative. Even after starting treatment, if things don't feel right then you need to move on and find another practitioner.
Some of the issues to consider about the type of therapy to use:
Finding a Practitioner
Establishing a sense of rapport and trust with your practitioner is an important element of therapy if any benefits are to be derived from the treatment. Another key factor is of course, finding a competent practitioner.
Finding a good practitioner may be
simply a matter of trial and error, and there are many people who prefer to
rely on work-of-mouth recommendations.
However, this approach is not necessarily reliable.
Training for alternative practitioners
can range from as little as a correspondence course lasting only one weekend to
three to four years of full or part time degree study. There are many unscrupulous people out there who are all too ready to make a quick buck from people are feeling desperate. Your health is important and you need the best treatment available and need confidence in what is being advised.
Make sure that the therapist/practitioner you are considering is adequately trained and reputable.
Before embarking on any course of therapy you should ask your practitioner these questions:
Once again - trust and empathy are important with your practitioner, and treatment is unlikely to succeed without it. Treatment is often conducted on a one-to-one basis, so trust is imperative.
Key Points
Why Choosing the Right Treatment Matters
As mentioned earlier, choosing the right treatment matters as every woman is different and her experiences are unique. Having confidence in the practitioner is vital. Other factors such as symptom severity, fertility goals, and lifestyle considerations must all be taken into account.
Cost & Accessibility Factors
Hormonal treatments may involve costs related to prescriptions, doctor visits, and monitoring, though they are often covered by insurance. In other countries the cost of treatment is often part of a national health service. Natural approaches, such as dietary changes and exercise, are generally more affordable. There will be financial implications with dietary changes, supplements, or obtaining support from a natural therapist.
Personal Experiences with Natural Therapies
Women who use natural therapies often share positive outcomes from dietary changes, regular exercise, and natural remedies. Many report reduced bloating, increased energy, and improved mood alongside better pain management, particularly when used alongside medical treatments.
Combination Approaches Often Help Women
Using a combined approach by using both medical treatments and natural therapies are often noted by women as the most effective strategy. They often describe achieving both immediate symptom relief from hormonal therapies and long-term improvements through natural therapies and self-help remedies.
When to Consider Different Treatments
Changing to different treatment options may be necessary if symptoms persist and side effects become unmanageable. Sometimes personal health goals change which can affect which treatment plan to follow.
Insights from Scientific Studies & Reviews
Scientific studies support hormonal therapies as highly effective but for many women they can only manage as short-term symptom management due to side-effects. Emerging research shows promise for dietary and lifestyle interventions but more extensive studies are needed to fully validate the long-term benefits of natural treatments. It is unfortunate that research into natural remedies for endometriosis do not attract funding and therefore the number of valid studies is limited.
The Importance of a Personalized Approach
Endometriosis requires a personalized treatment strategy. A tailored plan that addresses physical, emotional, and lifestyle needs often results in better symptom management and improved quality of life.
Aiming for a Balance Between Hormonal and Natural Care
Hormonal treatments offer effective, fast-acting symptom relief but may come with notable side effects. Natural approaches often require more time and commitment but support overall health with fewer risks. Many people find that a combination of both approaches works best.

About the Author
Hi, I am Carolyn Levett, the Founder here at endo-resolved - I am an Integrative Health Coach having studied nutrition, naturopathy and aromatherapy as well as being a published author of three endometriosis books. I used to suffer from severe endometriosis and was fortunate to be able to regained my health and recover from this disease with the support of nutrition, natural therapies and lots of determination.
My motivation is to help other women with endometriosis to heal their bodies so they may start to overcome this awful disease without having to totally rely on toxic drugs and surgeries which can cause further damage - with healing thoughts, Carolyn.
Reference:
Holistic Approaches in Endometriosis - as an Effective Method of Supporting Traditional Treatment: A Systematic Search and Narrative Review
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11527925/
Hormonal vs. Natural Endometriosis Treatments: What Works?
https://endometriosisassn.org/hormonal-vs-natural-endometriosis-treatments-what-works/
Alternative Treatments for Endometriosis - With Evidence
https://www.levaclinic.com/blog/26-alternative-treatments-for-endometriosis
Naturopathic Medicine for the Management of Endometriosis, Dysmenorrhea, and Menorrhagia: A Content Analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30383387/?from_term=naturopathy+and+endometriosis&from_pos=1
Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Traditional Chinese Patent Medicine for Endometriosis:
Effects of Acupuncture for the Treatment of Endometriosis-Related Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29077705/?from_term=acupuncture+and+endometriosis&from_pos=1
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Complementary Treatments for Women With Symptomatic Endometriosis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29944729/?from_term=acupuncture+and+endometriosis&from_pos=2
