Conservative Treatment For Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder that causes your endometrial tissue to proliferate outside of the uterus. Endometriosis doesn't always cause symptoms, however, when it does, they can be severe. If you experience heavy bleeding during your menstrual periods, bleeding between periods, severe menstrual cramps, or if you have fertility problems, make an appointment with yourob gyn doctor.

If you have endometriosis, your doctor may recommend hormone treatment or surgery to remove the lesions, however, there are some conservative treatment options you should consider to keep you comfortable in the meantime. 

NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, help minimize pelvic pain, and may even help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. Over-the-counter ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are NSAIDs, and are often prescribed to manage endometrial pain.

Do not take NSAIDs for more than a week or so unless directed by your physician. While non-prescription NSAIDs can help relieve your symptoms, your gynecologist may recommend prescription strength NSAIDs, if your endometriosis-related pain prevents you from working or doing your other routine activities. 

Turmeric

The spice turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory food that may be beneficial to those suffering from endometriosis symptoms. Not only can turmeric help relieve pelvic pain and menstrual cramps, it is also thought to inhibit the growth of endometrial lesions.

You can add turmeric to your food or make a tea out of it. For turmeric tea, simply add a pinch or turmeric and a pinch of ginger powder to a cup of boiling water. To further enhance the flavor of your tea, add fresh lemon juice and honey. If you take prescription blood thinners to reduce your risk for heart attack or stroke, or if you take large doses of aspirin, talk to your ob gyn doctor before consuming turmeric.

If you consume turmeric, which has natural anticoagulant properties, with your prescription blood thinners or aspirin, you may be at risk for dangerous bleeding. The combination of turmeric and anticoagulant medication may further increase heavy bleeding that endometriosis sufferers often experience.

To augment the pain relieving effects of turmeric, place a heating pad over your pelvic area to relax your muscles, take warm baths, and massage your abdominal muscles. 

If you have endometriosis, consider the above treatment options. If they fail to bring relief, make an appointment with your gynecologist. He or she may recommend a pelvic ultrasound, which uses sound waves to capture live images of your internal organs, including your uterus.