My Endometriosis journey and the psychosomatics of problematic menstrual cycles
Please note that this article contains some mildly graphic descriptions.
I was diagnosed with Endometriosis in my mid-twenties after a laparoscopy for undiagnosed persistent pelvic and abdominal pain. I had two young children and had struggled with heavy, long, and erratic periods for years.
It was commonplace to be on a contraceptive pill from an early age and I was no exception. I was put on the combined oral contraceptive pill at fifteen years old, to combat heavy periods and painful periods. Because my Mother suffered from them, it was considered to be hereditary and was not questioned. Now, in my current line of work, it is a red flag to investigate further for the simplest of many reasons that it is a sign that the body is attempting to detoxify and excrete waste products (from various sources that include physiological and psychosomatic).
It is no secret that my childhood was traumatic, but little did I know that I was on course for several decades of symptomatic illnesses of varying types that would plague my psyche (mind) and soma (body).
In the 1990s, Endometriosis wasn’t talked about much, by all accounts, having listened to many other stories, I was one of the fortunate ones – my symptoms taken seriously, a diagnosis swiftly made, and treatment offered. At the time, taking oral combined contraceptives for three consecutive months was the treatment most widely offered and for me, it worked. The excruciating pain stopped but the erratic, heavy and prolonged periods did not – I just had to learn to manage it.
Throughout the remainder of my twenties and early thirties, I became an expert at managing my periods, using double super plus tampons (if you know, you know) and pads, having a change of underwear, and knowing where female facilities were if I was away from familiar territory.
In my mid-thirties, I went on to have two more children and became more aware of the impact that hormonal products had on me. Most noticeable was when it was recommended that I had the Mirena coil inserted – within days there was a dam-like uncontrollable flow of blood as my body sought to expel the squatter in my womb. A trip to the emergency department to have it removed due to the rather alarming amount of blood loss that was far more than even the upper realms of ‘normal’ and acceptable.
Not content to listen to my body, I was persuaded to try it again a few months later, again with catastrophic results and another trip to the emergency department, I decided that the medical staff had better things to do in the emergency unit and vowed to listen to my body and honour what it needed.
From that moment on, I have not taken any form of hormone pill, supplement, gel or coil. I can honestly say that it was the break my body needed, and it was then able to start a healing journey.
Still plagued by heavy, long, and erratic periods, a consultant suggested ablation. Now being at the end of my procreation era and having no desire to bear any more children, I decided that this might be the solution. Still not being aware of the psychosomatic symptoms of a history of Endometriosis and heavy periods, I went ahead with the operation.
The first one was a bit of a curve ball as a small fibroid was found and removed. A blessing as my Mother had suffered similar and undergone a full hysterectomy as a result as it was the size of a grapefruit. Medical opinions have changed since then and we now know that this is a major surgery that should only be as a last result not as a first response as there are consequences to removing such a significant organ without good cause.
Like the treatment for Endometriosis, this was a win for me. It was like a switch that was long overdue being turned off. Additional symptoms such as abdominal cramps, pain and fatigue lessened. I had recovered from Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue a few years before, so this was a welcomed next step in feeling healthier.
Retraining as a holistic therapist some eight years ago, my journey and comprehension of what these symptoms mean has been eye-opening. Had I been taught as a teen what I know now, my life would have been a lot easier, less painful, less draining, less moody, and less emotionally irrational. I can only hope that those around me can forgive me for what I did not know. Blindly following medical advice and not having access to ‘alternatives’ cost me and those around me dearly. It actually baffles me, as my Mother was very open-minded to alternative therapies, I recall using homoeopathic remedies and seeing an Osteopath – both pretty far out ‘woo woo’ things in the 1980s and before.
If you’ve kept reading until now, then I guess that you have an interest in the topic, so here are some of the symptoms of when a female is attempting to excrete toxins – either physical or emotional.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue resembling the uterine lining, known as endometrium, grows beyond the confines of the uterus. This tissue can manifest on various pelvic structures such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer uterine surface, pelvic cavity lining, and, rarely, in other bodily regions.
Responsive to hormonal fluctuations, this endometrial-like tissue undergoes breakdown and bleeding akin to the menstrual cycle. Consequently, inflammation, scar tissue formation, and cyst development may arise. Adhesions can further complicate matters by binding pelvic organs, causing discomfort, and impacting fertility.
Predominantly characterised by pelvic pain, which may be persistent or tied to menstruation, other common symptoms include dyspareunia, painful menstruation, and intermenstrual pelvic discomfort, with symptom severity varying widely among individuals.
Endometriosis stands as a primary contributor to female infertility due to its disruptive influence on reproductive organ function and conception. While some individuals endure severe symptoms including incapacitating pain and fertility challenges, others may experience minimal or no symptoms.
Diagnosis typically involves laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure utilising a camera-equipped tube inserted into the abdomen to visualize and potentially treat lesions. Imaging modalities like ultrasound or MRI may also aid in detection.
Conventional treatment strategies aim to alleviate symptoms, mitigate inflammation, and enhance fertility where applicable. This can entail pain management, hormonal therapies, and surgical intervention to excise lesions or cysts.
The medical take on Endometriosis
Retrograde menstruation is a theory that suggests that menstrual blood flows backwards through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity instead of leaving the body. The displaced endometrial cells stick to the pelvic walls and surfaces of pelvic organs, where they grow and cause endometriosis.
Embryonic cell transformation suggests that hormones such as oestrogen might transform embryonic cells into endometrial-like cell implants during puberty.
Surgical scar implantation suggests that after surgeries like hysterectomy or C-section, endometrial cells might attach to the surgical incision sites. (with an increase in teenage diagnoses of Endometriosis, this theory is somewhat unlikely).
Endometrial cell transport suggests that blood vessels or the lymphatic system might transport endometrial cells to other parts of the body.
Immune system disorders suggest that problems with the immune system might make the body unable to recognise and destroy endometrial-like tissue growing outside the uterus.
Hormonal imbalance suggests that oestrogen promotes the growth of endometriosis. Thus, conditions that affect hormone levels, such as early menstruation, short menstrual cycles, or high levels of oestrogen, may increase the risk.
Genetic factors suggest that endometriosis may be hereditary, suggesting a genetic predisposition.
Environmental factors suggest that certain environmental toxins may increase the risk of developing endometriosis.
Psychosomatic take on Endometriosis
There is a significant conflict between what you see, how you feel and how you should express it, often you choose suppression as you have been conditioned to understand that women cannot speak up/it is dangerous for women to speak up.
You have a fear your own childhood history will repeat itself.
You resent being female, having seen women being treated unfairly, abused, controlled, and trapped.
You feel unable to access your feminine power, there is no solid background to fall back on for support which leaves you feeling vulnerable.
Your life, up until now, has been hostile and/or traumatising, you often revert to hostile and aggressive states to keep yourself safe.
You feel under attack from influential females in your life, your experience of love may have been traumatic or destructive.
Communicating your emotions, concerns or fears was never an option and if you did it was met with ridicule, and rejection or your vulnerability was taken advantage of.
You fear communicating yourself as a strong feminine figure.
The Naturopathic take on Endometriosis
About the liver and endometriosis connection.
The liver plays a crucial role in metabolising hormones, including oestrogen, and maintaining hormonal balance in the body. The connection between the liver, oestrogen dominance, and endometriosis involves the intricate interplay of hormonal regulation and liver function.
Oestrogen dominance occurs when there is an imbalance between oestrogen and progesterone, with oestrogen levels being relatively higher. This imbalance can lead to a variety of symptoms and is associated with conditions, such as endometriosis.
Supporting the liver and creating a clear pathway for detoxification can improve and even resolve conditions such as Endometriosis.
For the full article on the liver, Endometriosis and supporting your liver for better detoxification, click here.
If you suffer from Endometriosis, taking positive steps to alleviate the burden on your body will help lessen the symptoms and possibly allow you to recover.
Psychological self-support:
Asking these questions will help you understand the origins of ‘how did this start.’
What was happening in your life when this condition started?
Did a significant feminine figure pass away? If so, consider exploring how grief may have affected you.
Has your past left you stuck in survival mode? Do you feel the need to control every aspect of your life, either actively (aggressive) or passively (avoidant)?
Was there an emotional build-up before the condition started and were you able to express your emotions healthily?
Do you find it easy to express boundaries? Can you say no and it be a complete sentence in itself without the need to explain yourself?
These are just a few of many questions that could be asked, some are more complex and therefore I have not included them here as they might be triggering to some.
Ways to alleviate emotional burden and overload:
There are several ways to alleviate emotional burdens, and what works best can vary from person to person. Here are some suggestions:
Talk to someone, and share your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. This can help lighten the emotional load. Just having someone listen can be incredibly cathartic.
Writing down and journaling your thoughts and feelings can provide a release and help you gain clarity on what's bothering you. It can also serve as a way to track your progress over time.
Practices like mindfulness meditation can help you stay present in the moment and reduce stress. They can also help you observe your emotions without getting overwhelmed by them.
Physical activity is a great way to relieve stress and boost your mood. Whether it's going for a run, practising yoga, or dancing around your room, finding a form of exercise that you enjoy can be incredibly beneficial.
Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it's taking a bath, reading a book, or spending time in nature. Making time for yourself is important for maintaining emotional well-being.
Learning to say no, setting clear boundaries and prioritising your own needs can help prevent you from taking on more than you can handle emotionally.
If you're struggling to cope with your emotions on your own, don't hesitate to reach out to a therapist or counsellor who can provide support and guidance.
Remember that it's okay to ask for help when you need it, and taking care of your emotional well-being is an important part of overall health.
Naturopathic self-support
Reducing the burden on your liver and supporting the detoxification process will allow your body to rid itself of a build-up of toxins.
Here are some gut-balancing and lightly cleansing tips.
Drink warm water throughout the day.
Drink hot water upon waking.
Have ginger and lemon tea (ideally fresh).
Consume split mung dal (eat as much as you want).
Eat your largest meal of the day at noon.
Only eat when you are hungry.
Don’t eat anything too dry or solid as the channels need to detoxify and clear.
Avoid cold drinks and fizzy drinks.
Avoid dairy, yoghurt, cheese and wheat.
Avoid alcohol and sugar.
Try to eat three regular meals and snacks that are high in protein.
Add spices to your meals (Dosha depending)
In summary, Endometriosis currently has no known medical cause however there are plenty of positive self-help healthy habits you can implement to support your body’s physical and emotional health.