Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIsoflavonesOmega-3sChamomileProbioticsResveratrolTurmericAcupunctureMassageChinese HerbsGreen TeaHeat TherapyLight Exercise
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Isoflavones
Omega-3s
Chamomile
Probiotics
Resveratrol
Turmeric
Acupuncture
Massage
Chinese Herbs
Green Tea
Heat Therapy
Light Exercise
Endometriosisis conventionally treated with pain medications, hormonal therapies, and surgery. However, some people may prefer a naturalendometriosistreatment that either complements a prescribed treatment or manages thesymptoms of endometriosison its own.These include supplements, herbs, changes in diet, and alternative practices like acupuncture.
1. Isoflavones
Rich sources of isoflavones include:
A similar organic compound calledindolesmay also counter the effects of estrogen. It is found in foods like:
2. Omega-3 and Polyunsaturated Fats
Some experts believe that cutting back onsaturated fatsfound in animal products may help lower the risk or severity of endometriosis. Saturated fats are associated with increased inflammation that may add to the stress already placed on inflamed endometrial tissues.
By contrast, eating fish rich inomega-3 fatty acidsand foods rich inpolyunsaturated fats (PUFAs)can ease endometriosis pain. Both omega-3s and PUFAs are thought to have potent anti-inflammatory effects.
A large study involving 70,709 females in the United Statesreported that the high intake of these “healthy” fats and a reduction of saturated fats reduced the risk of endometriosis.
Omega-3s can be found in fatty fish such as:
Rich sources of PUFAs include:
Along with eating fatty fish, you can obtain omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil supplements sold over the counter in capsule form.
3. Chamomile
Chamomilehas long been used as an herbal aid to calm the body and mind. These same effects may help ease endometrial pain and cramps.
According to one 2024 study published in theIranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research,chamomile may help reduce symptoms associated with endometriosis. Patients who took 1000 mg capsules (three times a day) for eight weeks reported a reduction in pelvic pain,dyspareunia(pain in response to sexual intercourse), and menstrual pain.
Chamomile contains a compound known as chrysin, which a 2019 study found causes apoptosis (programmed cell death) in endometrial tissues that have grown out of control.The researchers noted that chrysin found in chamomile and other substances like honey may one day lead to the development of novel drugs for endometriosis.
4. Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probioticsare “good” bacteria and yeast that keep the natural biome of your vagina and digestive tract in balance. Prebiotics are foods that promote the growth of probiotics.
People with endometriosis often have an imbalance of microorganisms which probiotics and prebiotics may help correct.
One 2019 study published in theInternational Journal of Fertility and Sterilityfound that eight weeks of probiotic supplementation with lactobacillus capsules provided some beneficial effects for endometriosis-related pain.
You can get probiotics through dietary supplements or fermented foods like:
Prebiotic foods include:
5. Resveratrol
Rich sources of resveratrol include:
6. Turmeric
Turmericis a spice that comes from the root of theCurcuma longaplant. It contains a chemical calledcurcuminthat has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce endometrial swelling and pain.
That said, more clinical research is needed to confirm turmeric’s therapeutic effect on those with endometriosis.
7. Acupuncture
Acupunctureinvolves the insertion of small needles in the skin to treat pain and other health problems. A 2017 review of studies published inPLoS Onefound that acupuncture may help ease pelvic and abdominal pain in women with endometriosis.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2018 also found that among the approaches studied, only acupuncture notably reduced pain.
8. Osteopathic Therapy
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is an alternative form of massage. It involves the hands-on manipulation of different body structures to normalize their functions.
OMT for endometriosis is typically centered around the pelvis. It employs massage to gently release uterine scar tissues (called adhesions) while easing anxiety and stress that can heighten pain sensations.
A 2017 review in theInternational Journal of Women’s Healthconcluded that the benefits of OMT for endometriosis were unproven but acknowledged that it did appear to ease tension and bolster the quality of life of those who used it.
9. Chinese Herbs
Herbal formulas are often used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat uterine health issues like endometriosis.TCM cites blood stasis as the cause of this medical condition. According to practitioners, lesions form when blood slows or pools in the abdomen.
A review of studies published in theCochrane Database of Systematic Reviewsfound that Chinese herbs fared well when compared to two prescription drugs commonly used to treat endometriosis, Dimetrose (gestrinone) and Danocrine (danazol).
10. Green Tea
Several animal studies suggest that EGCG can stop the progression of endometriosis and reduce pain and cramping.Although the research on green tea looks promising, more studies in humans are necessary to fully support these findings.
11. Heat Therapy
According to a 2024 study published inFrontiers in Reproductive Health,the most common alternative method used to help with endometriosis pain was heat therapy. Nearly 74% of the 357 study participants reported using a heating pad for symptom relief.
12. Light Exercise
Light to moderate exercise may be more appropriate as high-intensity workouts can add to pelvic inflammation and pain.
There is no prescribed workout plan for endometriosis, but many experts recommend adhering to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines for exercises suitable for sedentary women.
According to the ACOG guidelines, aerobic exercise can consist of any activities that use large muscle groups in a continuous, rhythmic manner, such as brisk walking, hiking, jogging, swimming, cycling, rowing, or dancing. Around 30 minutes of exercise per day on most days of the week is recommended.
Summary
For some people,standard endometriosis treatmentsmay not be enough to manage symptoms. In cases like these, natural therapies may help. These include options such as routine exercise, nutritional supplements, probiotics and prebiotics, Chinese herbs, and foods rich in isoflavones or resveratrol.
Although these and other natural treatments may help ease endometriosis pain, they need to be used with caution and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Endometriosis Doctor Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
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