ADVICE OF HOW TO REDUCE YOUR SYMPTOMS
YOU DO HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO OBTAIN A GREAT AMOUNT OF HEALING FROM THE DISABLING DISEASE OF ENDOMETRIOSIS. MANY OTHER WOMEN HAVE ACHIEVED IT
Imagine being told that all evidence and all signs of Endometriosis had been resolved; you no longer had any indication of the disease. It had cleared up and you were free now to get back to living your life. Endometriosis was no longer the focus of your existence.
This scenario is not fiction. It is fact. It happened to me. I was diagnosed with one of the worst cases of Endometriosis my gynaecologist had seen and was advised to have a total hysterectomy at 31 years old. I never touched a single drug being offered by orthodox medicine, as a treatment for Endometriosis. I had a gut feeling it was wrong for me and could do more harm than good.
After 4 years of alternative treatment, a few select supplements and lots of positive thinking, I felt exceedingly fit and well. Alternative Medicine had done wonders to promote and aid my healing from Endometriosis, as well as improve my general health. It had been a complex and sometimes difficult journey back to health with much self discovery and learning. But it was worth the time, effort and patience. You simply cannot put a value on good health.
I was diagnosed initially with a Laparoscopy, when it was found that my insides were in a complete mess and looked like a mine-field. After my healing period, I requested another Laparoscopy 4 years later. Despite feeling fit and well, my intuition was telling me that I needed to be checked out, and I also wanted desperately to know the state of my health internally. A second Laparoscopy was arranged with a newly qualified gynaecologist, who had up to date training and equipment.
It was found that there was a cyst on one of my ovaries, which was treated, and any adhesions left by the Endometriosis were dealt with. But I was told by the Gynaecologist that there was no active Endometriosis left. There was evidence that I had had the disease in the past, but it had now all cleared up. After 4 years of alternative treatment and lots of self help, I was free from Endometriosis. And it never returned.
THE SUPPORT YOU NEED IS HERE
I repeat, that this website is all about providing hope, inspiration, motivation and a huge dose of optimism to those women who are seeking help, information and ultimately, relief from this disease. The information here is an antidote to all those who say there is definitely no cure for Endometriosis.
I am not saying that I have found the miraculous 'cure' for Endometriosis; what I am saying is that this disease can be minimised to such an extent that it no longer controls your life.
Nothing is impossible. People have had miraculous cures from cancer and all sorts of life threatening diseases. Myself and other women have achieved total remission from Endometriosis. At the very least, many women have reduced their symptoms through self help methods to such an extent that they are able to resume normal activities in their lives. The common-denominator among these stories is that it takes lots of positive thinking; a deep knowing that you do not have to stay sick.
The natural state of the body is one of health; that is why we have such a brilliant self healing mechanism called the immune system. Endometriosis can be greatly improved or go into total remission by lots of positive thinking, a strong and vibrant immune system, changes in diet and other self help methods.
GENERAL CONTENT
I have included information here, which briefly covers the main topics of interest related to Endometriosis, which includes diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, laparoscopy advice, pain management and diet information, which many women are seeking. I have purposely not gone into great detail with some subjects, as this would be repeating what you can find in more depth on other, more informed websites. But I felt it important to provide a well-rounded resource in one place for women and girls seeking help.
My real aim here is to focus on positive information and provide a beacon of hope for women whose lives are ultimately completely ruled by Endometriosis. This does not have to continue - take control of your own health, regain your power and confidence, and minimise the impact that Endometriosis has on your life.
FUTURE SUPPORT
This website will be continuously updated and added to, providing the best possible resource of help and information, but it will continue to focus on the theme of positive advice and all the self- help measures possible, to aid you in your healing of Endometriosis.
I have recently launched my first book for you - 'Recipes for the Endometriosis Diet'. You will find all the details of the book at the bottom of the Diet page. I was very thorough in my research for this book to ensure the recipes and ingredients completely met the needs of a diet for Endometriosis.
The income from this book will allow me to keep this site up and running, and be able to provide you with more positive advice and support into the future.
There will be more, smaller e-books added to this site over time, which will be free to download, each one covering a specific subject. I may upgrade the site to be more interactive in the future, to provide a chat group resource, where women can exchange views, tips, ideas and feed-back of what has helped them.
I have recently found and added more stories of women who have healed themselved of Endometriosis (see Testimonials), to build upon the ones I included in my book 'Reclaim Your Life' (published soon) - I feel this is one of the strongest messages women can have, to strengthen their own resolve and be determined to continue with their own mission to get well again.
With healing thoughts
Carolyn Levett
There is now an Endometriosis discussion forum based on the principles of endo-resolved, which is sponsored by CureZone.com
I chose CureZone as you will be able to pick up further advice from other good forums while you are there - like Liver Flush advice, Candida, Homeopathy, IBS, Insomnia... the list goes on. It is quick and simple to join.
Site last updated 28 Febuary 2004
Endometriosis Glossary
Below is a comprehensive glossary and brief description of terms related to Endometriosis. While you are reading other pages, you may come across terms you are not familiar with. You can refer back here to the home page and find this quick reference in alphabetical order.
Add-back - hormones (estrogen or estrogen/progesterone) which are given during a course of GnRH agonists drug treatment for Endometriosis, to help prevent bone loss and help alleviate other side effects of the GnRH agonists
Adenomyosis - the lining of the uterus, the endometrium, grows into the muscular part of the uterus, sometimes known as the 'sister' of Endometriosis
Adhesion web-like growths of scar tissue, which is a common cause of pain associated with Endometriosis. They can bind any of the pelvic organs to one another; may be caused by surgery, injury as well as endometriosis and commonly causes pelvic pain
Anaesthetic a drug used to prevent pain during surgery or other procedures. A general anaesthetic makes the person unconscious. A local anaesthetic numbs the area where the surgery is to be performed. Local anaesthetics may be combined with sedatives to make a person relax and sleepy but not unconscious
Anastomosis - surgical connection of tubular bodily structures (bowel, blood vessels), restoring or preserving it function
Anemia a low red blood cell count, caused by heavy menstrual bleeding or other blood loss; the most obvious symptom is fatigue. Can be a common problem with the heavy menstrual blood loss of Endometriosis
Anovulation - failure to ovulate
Anterior - the front part of an organ - as in anterior of the womb
Antibiotics drugs used to kill bacterial or fungal infections
Anticonvulsants drugs originally developed to treat epilepsy, but have been found to have other effects on the nervous system and the body's ability to perceive pain
Antrogens - hormones produced in smaller amounts by women - responsible for facial hair and other secondary masculine characteristics. The same effects are caused by specific hormone drug treatment for Endometriosis
Benign an abnormal growth that is not cancer and will not spread to other areas of the body
Biopsy - removal of tissue for diagnosis. This procedure should be performed during a Laparoscopy to obtain a definite diagnosis of Endometriosis
Bowel Prep - this is a cleansing of the bowels prior to going into hospital for treatment, so that any treatment can be carried out in safety. It involves changing your diet for a day or two before treatment, and you are given various concoctions to purge your system completely. It is not a pleasant procedure, but does ensure the best outcome for your surgery to be done in safety and minimise any risk of infection
This is a typical advice note from a GP/Doctor:
Bowel Prep- The process of cleaning the bowel of any solids prior to the examination of the bowel or bowel surgery. You may continue with your regular diet through the evening 2 days before your surgery. On the morning before your scheduled procedure begin a clear liquid diet only (broths and light soups are fine) At 9:00 AM on the day before surgery, begin drinking your X brand solution Drink all of the solution by noon if you can. You will shortly experience the desired results. By 6 PM, your stools should be very clear. You may drink clear liquids until midnight. Don't drink or eat anything after midnight on the day of surgery.
Bowel resection - a surgical procedure performed when a blockage of the intestines occurs. The procedure removes the portion of the bowel where the obstruction is located. This procedure may be used if Endometriosis has affected the bowel
Breakthrough bleeding - irregular vaginal bleeding, like a light period, that can occur when taking hormone drug treatment for Endometriosis. This is probably caused by the body trying to overcome the suppresive effects of the hormone drug treatment. Also, a delayed dose of hormone treatment can cause breakthrough bleeding.
CA-125 - a marker for ovarian cancer, which has been found to be elevated in women with Endometriosis but who do not have cancer
Clomid - Clomidiphene Cirtrate - estrogen drug used in IVF to induce ovulation
Coagulation when used to refer to a surgical procedure, coagulation means the destruction of tissue with an electrical current, which is one procedure which may be used during a Laparoscopy to destroy the growths of Endometrial implants
Colonoscopy - visualisation of the large intestine through a scope, which may be used to check for Endometriosis in this region
Coloposcopy - visualisation of the vagina and cervix through a device which greatly magnifies
Colostomy - temporary or permanent connection of the colon to the abdominal wall, allowing stool to be collected in a plastic bag attached to the opening of the abdominal wall
Congenital - existing at birth - as in the theory that Endometriosis may be inherited
CT scan - (CAT scan) stands for 'computerised axial tomography'. Basically, CT scans consist of a highly sensitive x-ray beam that is focused on a specific plane of the body. As this beam passes through the body, it is picked up by a detector, which feeds the information it receives into a computer. The computer then analyzes the information on the basis of tissue density. A picture is then produced on a screen showing a cross-section of the body. Bone shows up as white, gasses and liquids as black, and tissue as varying shades of grey, depending on ite density. A CAT scan is sometimes used to look for evidence of Endometriosis
Cul-de-sac a pouch formed by the space between the uterus and the rectum - also known as the Pouch of Douglas which is a prime site for Endometriosis
Cyst - sac or cavity containing liquid, which is the major physical evidence of Endometriosis
Cytoscope - Examination of the wall of the bladder with a thin, lighted probe inserted through the urinary opening
Danazol - hormone drug treatment for endometriosis. It is a derivative of testosterone (male hormone). This drug suppresses endometriosis by two seperate mechanisms. First it will decrease estrogen production in the ovaries, by suppressing FSH production and LH ovulatory surge. The second mechanism is a direct effect on the implants of endometriosis causing them to shrink. Danazol has side effects including weight gain, hot flushes, increased hair growth and decrease in breast size, are the most common
Danazol vaginal suppositries - Vaginal Danazol suppresses endometriosis by absorbtion directly into the pelvic tissues through the wall of the vagina
Diaphragm - the abdominal diaphragm separates the chest from the abdominal cavity, and endometriosis can be found in this site on occasions
D & C - dilation and curettage, or scraping of the uterine lining while the cervix is dilated
Dioxin a toxic chemical found in some paper products, pesticide-treated food, any many other chemical by-products. It is now wide-spread throughout the world and may be linked to endometriosis because of the Xenoestrogenic effect on the body. See Xenoestrogens
Dysmenorrhea painful periods - the most common symptom of Endometriosis
Dyspareunia - painful or difficult sexual intercourse experienced by a woman. Can be caused in endometriosis if adhesions stick organs together or with large ovarian cysts or internal inflammation.
Dysuria - painful urination - sometimes a symptom of Endometriosis
Ectopic pregnancy when an ovum is fertilised and begins to develop inside the Fallopian tubes; a dangerous condition that can be fatal to a woman if left untreated. Ectopic pregnancy is more of a risk for women with Endometriosis
Electrocauthery - method of sealing vessels and cutting tissue by use of a high-energy electric current
Endo short term for endometriosis
Endocrine system - the body's control system that involves interactions between hormones. The word endocrine means internal secretions which act as messengers. Includes the hypothalamus, hypocampus, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, adrenals, ovaries and testes
Endocrinology - The study of the endocrine glands and the substances they secrete (hormones)
Endometrial ablation the removal of the endometrium using a variety of procedures including laser, microwave, electric current, or heated fluid and freezing. This is a treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding that permanently stops menstruation and prevents future childbearing
Endometrium the inner lining of the uterus. Menstrual flow is derived from the endometrium. After each menstrual period, the endometrium grows to replace the part of the surface that has been lost
Endorphins - small molecules secreted by the brain that act as a natural analgesics. e.g. as morphine does in controlling pain. A product of the pituitary gland. They are thought to be concerned with controlling the activity of the endocrine glands. Thiamine is known to be used by endorphins. The increase of endorphins through exercise can help reduce the pain of Endometriosis
Estrogen a hormone that regulates the female menstrual cycle. Estrogen is the hormone that 'feeds' the continuing growth of Endometriosis
Excision to surgically cut out and remove tissue using any surgical tool including a laser
Fallopian tubes tubes through which the egg passes from the ovary to the uterus
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) - the hormone that is released by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the ovary to produce follicles and mature eggs. Released in the first 14 days of the cycle. In anovulation the FSH is deficient
Gastrointestinal disorders - disorders that affect the intestines and stomach, causing cramping, diarrhea and/or constipation. Often diagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Endometriosis commonly causes gastrointestinal disorders especially IBS
Gonadotrophins - the hormones (LH and FSH) released from the pituitary gland which stimulate the ovaries to produce follicles and undergo the process of ovulation
Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) - hormone produced in the hypothalamus that stimulates the pituitary to produce and secrete gonadotrophins. Its production is dependent on absorption of zinc and vitamin B6
GnRH stands for Gonadotropin-releasing hormone; one of the hormones that regulates the female menstrual cycle
GnRH agonists (gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists) a group of drugs which reduce a woman's estrogen levels; these drugs are used to treat endometriosis and reduce the size of fibroids. These drugs prevent ovulation and cause an artificial menopause. They may cause symptoms similar to the menopause, and can also cause bone mineral loss eventually leading to osteoporosis. For these reasons, GnRH agonists are most often a temporary treatment, relieving symptoms until other approaches can take effect
Harmonic scalpel - a laparoscopic instrument that uses energy created by sound waves to cut tissues and seal blood vessels. May be used during surgery to treat Endometriosis
Hormone receptors - special proteins on, or in cells to which hormones attach. Attachment (binding) of the hormone to the receptor will cause the endocrine effect of the hormone. Can be disrupted by Xenoestrogen hormones from pesticides and other chemicals. See Xenoestrogens
HRT - hormone replacement therapy - used after a total hysterectomy with the aim to restore some hormonal balance in the body and prevent osteoporosis
Hypermenorrhea - increased menstrual flow which is common with Endometriosis
Hypothalmus - part of the brain that directs the nervous system, endocrine system
Hysterectomy the removal of the uterus. During a simple hysterectomy only the uterus and cervix are removed, during a total hysterectomy the uterus and cervix are removed along with the ovaries and fallopian tubes. The more extensive procedure is usually used in cancer treatment and to treat fibroids. Total hysterectomy is too commonly used for the treatment of Endometriosis. This is usually mis-guided information given to women, that the procedure will eliminate the disease for good. Please see Hysterectomy page for more details.
Hysterosalpingograph - x-ray with dye injected into the uterus to see if the tubes are obstructed
Hysteroscopic resection the removal of fibroids from the inner wall of the uterus with a fiberoptic device called a hysteroscope.
Implants small, flat patches of endometrial-like cells growing outside the uterus. The main evidence of Endometriosis
Infertility the inability to have children; not being able to achieve pregnancy after one year of regular, unprotected sex, or the inability to carry a pregnancy to a live birth. A relatively common problem for women with Endometriosis
Inflammatory reaction - reaction of the body to trauma, infection, or foreign substances. The purpose of the reaction is to isolate, neutralise or remove it from the body. There is an inflammatory reaction caused by Endometriosis implants or growths
Intravenous injection of a substance directly into a vein
Irritable Bowel Syndrome - (IBS) a bowel disorder which can cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea or constipation, and urgency. Irritable bowel syndrome does not cause physical changes in the gut. IBS is very common with Endometriosis
Laparoscopy this procedure uses a fibre-optic device called a laparoscope to examine the inside of the pelvic cavity. The laparoscope is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen. This is the most common procedure used to diagnose and treat Endometriosis
Laparotomy traditional abdominal surgery - the incision is made in the abdominal wall vertically or horizontally. The surgery is performed through these incisions. Recovery takes longer and is more painful. This type of surgery is used if Endometriosis is more advanced and the surgeon needs better access to the abdominal cavity
Laser - a laser is an instrument that uses a beam of light (energy) to cut, vaporise and coagulate tissues and seal blood vessels. There are 3 major types of laser used in gynecology - Argon laser - using Argon gas. CO2 laser - the most common, which mixes CO2 to create a laser. YAG laser - produces a beam of energy that can be transported via a flexible fibre.
Laser ablation - one method of destroying endometriosis, utilising a concentrated beam of light
Luteinising hormone (LH) - hormone produced by the pituitary which stimulates the corpus luteum to produce progesterone. Released from day fourteen to day twenty eight in the normal cycle.
Lupron Depot - a GnRH agonist drug used in the treatment of Endometriosis, that causes pseudomenopause by suppressing production of FSH and LH hormones. Causes the body to go into a menopausal state with the aim of causing the endometriosis implants to shrink, due to the lack of estrogen. There are many side effects associated with Lupron Depot including the possibility of bone density loss, Women are then given Add-back therapy (see above) of estrogen, in the hope of counter-balancing this problem.
Lupus erythematosus an autoimmune disease where the body's own immune system attacks its tissue; may cause a skin rash, arthritis and/or damage to the kidneys and cardiovascular system
Luteal phase - the portion of a woman's menstrual cycle between ovulation and menstruation
Macrophage - a wandering cell that is found in tissue and blood that can 'eat' bacteria and other 'alien' matter that makes its way into the body
Mirena Coil - The Mirena Coil has started to be used for the treatment of Endometriosis, because the hormone which is released by the coil greatly reduces menstrual blood flow.
The Mirena Coil is an Inter Uterine Device (IUD). IUD's are normally small plastic or metal devices placed inside the uterus. Standard types create a mild inflammation that prevents sperm from fertilising eggs or fertilised eggs from implanting themselves on the uterine wall.
The Mirena works, instead, by delivering a small quantity of hormone (20 mcg levonorgestrel) directly on the inner wall of the uterus continuously for five years. The dosage is the equivalent to taking two to three mini-pills a week. Recently doctors have been treating heavy periods by inserting the Mirena Coil. which can reducing blood flow by 85% within three months. Eventually periods may stop completely.
Myomectomy the surgical removal of a fibroid
Neurectomy removal of a specific nerve, usually to treat pain associated with Endometriosis
Neurons long, branched cells that carry nerve impulses including pain signals
Neuropathic pain a different pain experience, because the ability of the nervous system to perceive pain has been damaged by chronic pain.
Nodule a small lump or cluster of tissue
Oophorectomy - surgical removal of the ovaries, which will be performed during a hysterectomy as treatment for severe Endometriosis
Opioids a group of drugs, which include morphine and opium, that relieve pain and cause sedation, constipation and slower breathing
Oral contraceptive - orally administered drugs that are derived from ovarian steroids which interfere with the reproductive process and induce infertility. They disrupt blood chemistry causing vitatmin A and copper levels to be raised whilst lowering levels of B vitamins and zinc. Often used to treat Endometriosis
Osteoporosis a disease in which the bones become thin, porous and break easily. Osteoporosis is a side effect of using specific hormone drug treatment (GnRH agonists) for Endometriosis
Ovaries female glands that produce eggs and the hormones estrogen and progesterone. A common site for the cysts of Endometriosis
Ovarian Follicle - the normal 'cyst like' structure that forms on the ovary during the menstrual cycle, which contains the developing egg
Ovary - almond shaped organs lying in the pelvis that produce hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and eggs
Ovarian cysts - a fluid filled sac, one or more of which can develop in the ovary. Most are non-malignant but can reach a very large size and cause gross swelling and pain. In endometriosis chocolate cysts filled with stale brown blood are common. With polycystic ovaries many cysts develop. High copper levels are related to cyst formation. The pill increases blood copper levels.
Ovulation - the process of expulsion of the egg from the ovarian follicle to the Fallopian tube. Occurs around the 14-15th day of a normal cycle.
Oxytocin - a protein derived hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary that stimulates uterine contractions during the birthing process and the release of milk from the breast.
Pap smear/test - staining test used to detect abnormal cells
PCBs polychlorinated biphenyls; chemicals, now banned in many countries, but still present in the environment. They were once used in inks, paint, and as additives when making plastics. These chemicals are Xenoestrogens which 'feed' Endometriosis
Pelvic congestion dilation (swelling) of the veins in the pelvis causing pressure and pain
Pelvic Inflammatory disease (PID) - a general infection in the peritoneal cavity that can be caused by a variety of bacteria that gain entrance into the peritoneal cavity through the female reproductive tract from poor hygiene or infected male sperm. The disease is associated with flu like symptoms and adhesions leading to infertility. Often given as a mis-diagnosis to the symptoms of Endometriosis
Peritoneal Cavity - the lower abdomen (belly) which contains the reproductive tract, bladder,kidneys and adrenals, small and large intestine, liver, pancreas and stomach. Endometriosis can be scattered all over the Peritonial cavity
Peritoneal Fluid - the fluid found in the peritoneal cavity
Peritoneum the thin membrane that covers the pelvis and abdomen walls, as well as the pelvic organs
Peyers Patches - clusters of cells found on the small intestine that are involved in the immune system. They act as testing stations for 'alien' food particles, bacteria, parasites, chemicals etc. It is the peyers patch that is thought to react favourably to Castor Oil pack treatments to help alleviate the pain of Endometriosis
Phytoestrogens - which are plant based compounds that act like estrogen in the body and are found in many foods we eat. Many different plants produce compounds that may mimic or interact with estrogen hormones. At least 20 compounds have been identified in at least 300 plants from more than 16 different plant families. Referred to as phytoestrogens, these compounds are weaker than natural estrogens and are found in herbs and seasonings (garlic, parsley), grains (soybeans, wheat, rice), vegetables (beans, carrots, potatoes), fruits (dates, pomegranates, cherries, apples) and drink (coffee). Phytoestrogens differ a great deal from synthetic environmental estrogens (Xenoestrogens) in that they are easily broken down, are not stored in tissue and spend very little time in the body.
Pituitary - endocrine gland at the base of the brain that secretes a variety of hormones many of which affect other endocrine glands. The major hormones of the pituitary that affect the reproductive system are Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinising Hormone (LH) and prolactin. The pituitary is divided into the anterior (front) and posterior (back) pituitary. Known as the conductor of the endocrine orchestra. Known to use vitamin B6 and zinc.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - (PCOS) simultaneous formation of many cysts on both ovaries. Can be present along with Endometriosis
POPs - Persistent Organic Pollutants - this is a generic title for chemicals found in the environment which do not break down by natural processes. The word organic is used because they are carbon based.
There are many of these substances in use, which then enter the environment. The best known are PCBs and Dioxin. See Xenoestrogens
Pouch of Douglas - the blind pouch that makes the bottom of the peritoneal cavity. It lies between the vagina and the colon and below the left ovary. Also called the 'cul-de-sac' area of the peritoneal cavity. It is a prime site for endometriotic implants.
Premarin - conjugated estrogens obtained from the urine of pregnant mares used for HRT. The method of collecting the mares urine forces the mare to be tied up continuously in her stable with a bag tied to her rear end to collect the urine.
Presacral neurectomy - a surgical procedure in which nerves at the back of the uterus are severed in an attempt to eliminate or reduce pain associated with endometriosis
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