Choosing a Natural Therapy for Endometriosis

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 


Choosing natural therapies for endometriosis


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:

  • Are you happy about being touched or  having a massage
  • Are you OK about swallowing pills and can usually remember to take them regularly
  • Are you comfortable exploring your feelings with another person
  • Would you be prepared to change your diet radically
  • Can you tolerate the idea of having needles stuck in you
  • Are you comfortable about the practitioner manipulating your body
  • Do you mind getting undressed in front of the practitioner
  • Are you happy with the idea that you can use your mind to influence your health



natural therapist woman


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:


  • What are the practitioners’ qualifications? What sort of training was undertaken, and for how long?
  • For how many years has the practitioner been in practise?
  • Is the practitioner registered with a recognised professional organisation, and does that organisation have a public directory?
  • Does the organisation have a code of practise, specifying the professional code of conduct?
  • Is treatment available on referral by your doctor?  Some therapies, such as chiropractic, osteopathy and acupuncture, are becoming accepted into mainstream medicine.
  • Can you claim for the treatment through your health insurance, if you have it?
  • What is the cost of treatment?
  • How many treatments might you expect to require?


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. 



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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