Endometriosis
Endometriosis and Natural Progesterone Cream Part 1 – from Dr. Lee’s Book – What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause
“Endometriosis is a serious condition in which tiny islets of endometrium (inner lining cells of the uterus) become scattered in areas where they don’t belong: the fallopian tubes, within the uterine musculature (adenomyosis), and on the outer surface of the uterus and other pelvic organs, the colon, the bladder, and the sides of the pelvic cavity. With each monthly cycle, these islets of endometrium respond to ovarian hormones exactly as endometrial cells do within the uterus–they increase in size, swell with blood, and bleed into the surrounding tissue at menstruation. The bleeding (no matter how small) into the surrounding tissue causes inflammation and is very painful,often disabling. Symptoms begin 7-12 days before menstruation and then become excruciatingly painful during menstruation. The pain may be diffuse and may cause painful intercourse or painful bowel movements, depending on the sites involved.
Mainstream treatment of Endo is difficult and not very successful. Surgical attempts at removing each and every endometrial implant throughout the pelvis is only temporarily successful. Many of the tiny islets are simply too small to see, and eventually they enlarge and the condition recurs. Another surgical venture is even more radical: the removal of both ovaries, the uterus and the fallopian tubes, the aim being to remove or reduce hormone levels as much as possible–not a pleasant prospect.
When women with endo delay child bearing until their 30’s, they are often unable to conceive. Pregnancy often retards the progress and occasionally cures it. With this in mind, other medical treatments attempt to create a state of pseudo pregnancy, with long periods of supplemented progestins to simulate the high progesterone levels of pregnancy.Unfortunately, the high doses needed are often accompanied by side effects of the progestin and breakthrough bleeding.
As an alternative, I have treated a number of endo patients, some after failed surgery,with natural progesterone and have observed considerable success. Since we know that estrogen initiates endo cell proliferation and the formation of blood vessel accumulationin the endometrium, the aim of treatment is to block this monthly estrogen stimulus to the aberrant endometrial islets. Progesterone stops further proliferation of endometrial cells.
I advised such women to use natural progesterone cream from day 6 of the cycle until day 26 each month., using one ounce of the cream per week for 3 weeks (a little less, if you use Renewed Balance–my comment), stopping just before their expected period.This treatment requires patience. Over time (4-6 months), however, the monthly pains gradually subside as monthly bleeding in these islets becomes less and healing of the inflammatory sites occurs.
The monthly discomfort may not disappear entirely but becomes more tolerable. Endo is cured by menopause. This technique is surely worth giving a trial,since the alternatives are not all that successful and laden with undesirable consequences and side effects.” From Dr. John Lee’s book, What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause.
Something I would like to add is that I would encourage anyone who is dealing with any kind of illness that affects their cells, such as endometriosis, also begin using a product, such as Barleygreen, Sea Aloe or another highly effective wholefood supplement, as a healthy supplement to feed their cells the healthy food they need to heal and do their work properly.
Part 2 – The presence of endometrial tissue in abnormal locations.
Approximately five to twenty percent of women of childbearing age are affected by this troublesome condition. In addition, it is found at as many as 20-50 percent of all gynecologic operations. Pain, abnormal menstrual bleeding, infertility and prolonged disability may result.
Endometriosis is the presence of uterine tissue (endometrium) outside its usual location on the inner lining of the uterus. Endometrial tissue may implant itself on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic ligaments, abdominal organs, old scars and in rare cases, the chest, lung, spinal cord and extremities. The site of implantation of the endometrial tissue will largely control the degree or severity of symptoms. Over time the implants may enlarge, bleed, cause scarring and form tough fibrous adhesions between pelvic and abdominal structures.
A number of predisposing factors have been suggested. Hormonal factors are known to be important: implants often regress during pregnancy; first pregnancy at a young age seems to protect against its development; and the disease is more common in women who choose toeither postpone or reject childbearing. The average age at diagnosis is 37 years, and the majority of cases occur in women between the ages of 25 and 40. Endometriosis is rare before the onset of menstruation and after menopause.
Although the underlying cause is still in question, there are three major theories:
1. The transportation theory holds that endometrial tissue originating in the uterus passes retrograde through the fallopian tubes to implant on the ovaries, pelvis and abdomen at the time of menstruation. Bloodstream and lymph vessel transport may also occur.
2. The second hypothesis suggests that endometriosis occurs at sites outside the uterus in tissues which have the potential for developing denovo into uterine glands.
3. The induction theory combines the above two ideas by suggesting that transport edendometrial tissue induces the development of endometriosis through direct contact with sites on adjacent organs and structures.
Endometriosis is a notoriously difficult condition to diagnose, the conclusion often being reached after excluding other problems.
Conclusive diagnosis often necessitates an exploratory laparoscopy may be needed. It has been estimated that 25% – 50% of infertile women have endometriosis. Otherwise it may be largely asymptomatic, but is often characterized by :
dysmenorrhoea, especially if this begins after several years of pain free menses
dyspareunia – painful sexual intercourse
lower abdominal or rectal pain may occur
metrorrhagia or menorrhagia may occur In mild or moderate cases herbal medication has much to offer, but in
severe cases surgery may be indicated.
Actions indicated for the processes behind this disease :
Hormonal normalizer, such as Vitex, appear to help the body change the underlying hormonal problems.
Uterine tonics are essential for the tonic activity on endometrial tissue. In theory this will help wherever such tissue is. Please write to me about a special regimine that may be beneficial according to YOUR personal profile.
Anti-spasmodics will ease the muscular pain that is so distressing in this condition.
Nervine relaxants help with the stress and pain.
System Support :
The reproductive system is the primary focus for tonic support. The woman’s medical history and symptom picture will usually point to further areas of support.
Specific Remedies :
There are no traditional specifics for this, but natural progesterone cream is almost specific for the pain. Vitex agnus-castis may be considered the most appropriate remedy for the underlying processes involved.
Read about Cycle Balance Natural Progesterone Cream and other natural progesterone creams we carry.
