I was diagnosed with Endometriosis at the age of sixteen. It’s been eleven years and I am still suffering. Every two weeks I have pain and on the day of my period I am literally incapacitated. I have been on every birth control pill imaginable and have tried so many things (Lupron, Multiple surgeries, heavy-duty pain killers, etc) but nothing has ever worked for my body. I am currently not treating the Endometriosis medically but am looking for natural ways to relieve the pain and to help balance out my hormones as a lot of people believe that Endometriosis is from having an imbalance of hormones and a stagnant blood flow.

I highly recommend Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs. I am seeing an Acupuncturist who works with Chinese Herbs and has had many patients with Endometriosis and fertility issues, pcos, etc and I have noticed a difference in my pain already.

I have researched until my eyes have been sore and these are some of the herbs that I have found to be the most well known and well tolerated remedies for both hormonal balancing and pain relief. I ordered these in tincture form as it is much more potent than tea or supplements.

From L to R:

Cramp Bark: Uterine Relaxant and Antispasmodic. Used mainly for menstrual cramps, bearing-down uterine pains, and chronic uterine and ovarian pains.

Ginger:  Helps lower your levels of pain-causing prostaglandins, fights fatigue and is great for nausea.

Vitex: Works by acting on the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, which are responsible for releasing hormones or triggering hormone responses throughout the reproductive system. Vitex has been shown to regulate pituitary activity and promote the balance of estrogen and progesterone levels. The estrogens are important during the first two weeks of woman’s cycle, preparing the reproductive system for ovulation, while progesterone is dominant during the second half the cycle (the luteal phase) and is instrumental in maintaining a pregnancy. Hormone balance is key to a healthy menstrual cycle and regular ovulation. Here, vitex has proven very efficacious in supporting progesterone levels during the luteal phase (after ovulation takes place). In sum, vitex both stimulates and regulates the key reproductive hormones involved in ovulation and assists in restoring balance and menstrual regularity.

Dong Quai: Used as a nourishing blood tonic and helps to support healthy menstrual cycles. Dong Quai has been used for centuries by Asian healers to promote balance of female hormones and emotional health during menopause and perimenopause.

Wild Yam: Wild yam has been used for centuries in Central America as a natural pain reliever. Today, wild yam is used to treat a variety of ailments from female problems to digestive disorders. Wild yam contains diosgenin, a procurer of progesterone, which makes it a popular choice for treating PMS. Wild yam’s antispasmodic properties relax muscles and help reduce inflammation. Wild yam is also beneficial in treating arthritis, rheumatism and muscle spasms.

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If you are looking for something not as intense as a tincture or if you just want to add extra healthy herbs into your daily life I would recommend drinking Moon Cycle Tea by Yogi Tea. It contains a perfect blend of Chaste Tree Berry, Raspberry Leaf, Chamomile, Juniper Berry, Dong Quai, Cinnamon, Fennel, Parsley, etc to really help balance hormones and help with bloating, cramping and PMS. It also tastes delicious! I prefer mine strong so I like to use two tea bags for one cup. Whenever I drink this a few weeks before I am due for my period I notice a difference in my mood and cramping. Definitely worth checking out!

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If you suffer or have ever suffered from Endometriosis or any type of Hormonal issues, PCOS, painful periods, etc what have you found that has helped you at all? I am always open for new suggestions.

xoxo,

Britanie