Endometriosis is a condition where tissue from the lining of the uterus (womb) grows in other places inside the abdomen or pelvis.
During every menstrual bleed (period), this tissue also bleeds. This can cause a range of symptoms, which may include:
- pain,
- infertility,
- pain with intercourse,
- spotting or other abnormal bleeding,
- cyclical bloating.
Some women may have minimal pain, and some may have significant pain, uncontrolled by over the counter pain medications. Many suffer for years with their symptoms, with no diagnosis - which can only be made through keyhole surgery (laparoscopy).
Like other reproductive health issues, endometriosis doesn't just affect fertility - it affects day to day living, and many women and teen girls are absent from work and school because of it. It can also cause scarring within the abdomen, and long-term issues from this.
The standard medical treatment for period pain is to give ‘the pill’ or an intrauterine device (e.g. the Mirena), and although this can improve the symptoms, it doesn't treat the underlying cause. When women are trying to conceive, extra hormones given for IVF may even worsen the condition.
With RRM, endometriosis and other causes of period pain can be successfully managed to improve current and future health.
A restorative approach involves charting your cycle with a fertility awareness method (FAM), and investigations such as blood tests and medical imaging.
We aim for holistic treatment, which may include lifestyle changes, medications, supplements, and/or surgical intervention. Any surgery would involve a surgeon highly skilled in excision of endometriosis, to prevent regrowth. Our goal is a healthy woman with a healthy cycle - and this includes healthy ovulation.
Healthy ovulation is essential for good health for many reasons:
And many others.
