Endometriosis affects women primarily between 24 and 40 years old. Some women experience symptoms as soon as menstruation begins and for others, symptoms become progressively worse as a woman approaches menopause. There are numerous risk factors for endometriosis, heredity being the most influential. The likelihood of a woman who has a first degree relative with endometriosis having endometriosis themselves is six times higher than that for relatives of women without the disease. Women who tend to have short cycles, but a longer menses have also been found to have an increased risk. Increased estrogen levels, lack of exercise from an early age, a high fat diet, stress, a history of childhood abuse and the use of intrauterine devices are also risk factors.

Evidence now suggests that an immunological deficiency play a large role in the development of endometriosis. The immune system is not able to pick up on a problem in the pelvic organs and furthermore too weak to stop the growth of endometrial cells in abnormal locations. Studies have shown a correlation between suppressed immunity and a higher number and greater area of implants.

The severity of symptoms associated with Endometriosis varies between individuals. Almost all women with endometriosis experience a classic triad of symptoms including pain with menses (dysmenorrhea), pain with intercourse (dyspareunia) and infertility. For some women menses can cause such excruciating pain that they are unable to leave their homes, go to work or carry on activities of daily living. A labour-like, severe cramping or bearing down type pain usually begins just prior to menses and can last a couple days into bleeding. Some women experience nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or even fainting during this time. The severity was once thought to depend on the number of cells that grew in abnormal places, but we now know that it is actually the depth of the cells, how deep they grow into the other tissue that seems to correspond with the degree of pain a woman experiences.

The only way to definitively diagnose endometriosis is via one of two procedures. A laparoscopy is a surgical procedure in which a scope is inserted through one of two very small pelvic incisions. A laparotomy is a more major surgical biopsy procedure.

There are many nutritional and lifestyle recommendations that can both prevent and help to treat and decrease the symptoms of endometriosis. Simply ensuring that you are getting more than sufficient green leafy vegetables and fruit into your daily diet is a great start. Try to make them organic when and if possible. Liver friendly fruits and vegetables, like carrots, beets, dandelion greens, kale and cabbage and lemon increase the detoxification ability of the liver, thus decreasing the amount of excess or exogenous estrogen. Increasing fiber also increases transit time and helps to bind excess hormones. Decreasing intake of red meat has also shown to drastically decrease the risk of developing endometriosis. Even lean meat protein can promote inflammation and pain. Many healthcare practitioners encourage women with endometriosis to try to incorporate more vegetable proteins, almonds, soy and even fish into their diet instead. Limiting refined sugar, caffeine, and alcohol has also been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing endometriosis. Regular exercise is also key in preventing endometriosis, as well as minimizing stress.

There are many supplements that may be beneficial in preventing onset or reducing symptoms of Endometriosis. For the most part we want to keep in mind our objective of supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation and pain, supporting and aiding the liver in detoxification and removal of excess hormone, and combating free radical damage. Any combination of these effects will show significant effect.

The following list of supplements can be used to prevent and treat urinary tract infections.  Adult doses are given.  (CLICK SUPPLEMENT NAME FOR PRODUCTS).