Right now, the world seems cruel to you. You were given a ticket which gave you a label: “You have Endometriosis”.
You can’t believe it.
How could this be?
How can I be given this horrible condition which I am now supposed to just live with?
Can’t they just cut it out? Remove it? Make it go away?
It seems like a death sentence at first. I know for me it was. I felt angry, frustrated and almost hurt that I had been “chosen” to be given this nasty condition.
I couldn’t quite comprehend the words: you have Endometriosis and it is not a condition that is curable.
Things look a little different from where I sit now. I have travelled so far from those days when I was first told I had Endometriosis. I have learnt so many things which have taught me that there are many options in life and for your health.
You might feel like your life is an endless array of painkillers, sleepless nights and worry. You might feel like the pain will never subside and there is no hope. I am here to tell you that it can and it will get better. Your body wants to get better and will do whatever it can to help you.
Here are 10 things you can do to help your body heal and to improve how you feel with Endometriosis:
1. Change your diet
This sounds really simple but many of us still don’t do this one thing. Doctors don’t stress the importance of diet and yet if you think of a plant, when it is sick, the first thing you change is the soil it is sitting in. We are like cars; what you put in is what you get out. If your diet doesn’t consist of things your body needs to heal, it simply can’t. The challenge for many of us is that we believe we eat quite well and we perhaps don’t know that certain foods are not actually healthy, even when they have been marketed to us as being healthy. Here are some foods that I strongly recommend you cut out: meat, dairy, gluten and sugar.
2. Focus on your emotional healing
Our emotions and the issues that we face are often a direct link to our illnesses and diseases. You need to release the negative energy from your body to heal. There are so many ways to do this. Explore them and find one that works for you. Healing begins in your head and not in the body alone!
3. Find peace
Whether you take up meditation or yoga or simply go and sit in a peaceful park, you need to find a place where you are at peace. The more frequently you can do this, the better you will feel. Focus on nothing, allow yourself to just be and not worry about the future, the past or anything. Let yourself be still. No judgment from yourself nor from others. Just be yourself and love it!
4. Improve your digestion
If you struggle with constipation and diarrhoea and the ups and downs of that, you need to reassess your digestion. It is not normal. There are a number of ways to help your digestion. One of them is naturally what you eat but you can also improve your digestion with herbs. Try Slippery Elm or Psyllium Husks. You will feel so much better by simply improving your digestion.
5. Increase the Super Foods in your diet
Super Foods have more of everything your body needs to heal. More vitamins, more minerals and they each contain specific elements for healing. Get a copy of my free Super Foods Guide and you will get an idea of just how amazing these foods are.
6. Regulate your hormones
So much of that depression, loneliness and feeling like there is no way out is largely related to your emotional state. Endometriosis does that! You can regulate your emotions very easily with Maca Root.
7. Go for a walk
Just getting out and walking will make you feel better. You will get the body to release some of the toxins in your cells and the movement will help slow down your mind. Exercise is really important for your healing.
8. Believe that you can
When you go to a doctor, whose job is to heal you, and he tells you that Endometriosis is not curable, do you believe that? I mean really believe it, like deep down? Scary thing is, the mind has amazing powers and if you believe that, unfortunately it can become your reality. Be aware of what you absorb and start to believe. If your mind is filled with thoughts of I can’t have babies, I can’t be healed, the situation is hopeless, the pain will never go away, I am doomed with this condition forever, it unfortunately will become your reality. You can change your mind’s course with every thought that you have. Surround yourself with sources that do believe you can heal. Find books and natural practitioners who do believe you are curable. This belief will do amazing things for your healing alone!
9. Increase the alkaline level in your body
Acid-producing foods, drinks and even thoughts increase disease and your chance of healing. By consuming more alkaline-producing foods, drinks and herbs, you can reduce the high acidity in your body. Try some Horsetail Tea or Umeboshi Plums. They have fantastic alkalising effects on the body. Reduce high acid items such as Black Tea, coffee and junk food. Fruit and vegetables are the best and easiest form of alkalising the body.
10. Be proactive about your health
There is a vast amount of information on the net, at the library and all around you. You can absorb endless amounts of it but at the end of the day, you need to make decisions each and every day that move you towards your goals of being healthy. Is that piece of cake moving you towards your goal of being better or is it diminishing it? Each thing you do has a response in your body. Become aware and become proactive about healing. I can only advise you on what you can do but at the end of the day, you need to take action.
It is interesting but having Endometriosis has taught me a great deal about discipline. Sticking to things was never my forté. My close friends and family would vouch for that. The thing is, it is only when something becomes important enough to you that you find the motivation to stick to things and follow through. For me, my healing is vital. I don’t want to heal for my own sake anymore. I want o heal to help all of you.
You are all so special to me and I appreciate you reading my blog.
I hope this simple list helps you at least find some basic relief. Endometriosis doesn’t need to be a life sentence or a terrible condition we have to put up with.
We can become stronger and better and heal ourselves!
This Post Has 39 Comments
Hi Melissa, thanks for this wonderful post. It has really encourages me to go ahead being positive and knowing I will make it through this journey. I have been diagnosed with severe endometriosis and told I will never get children of my own. I have little faith in this because I have no pain during periods, so how is this possible? I am changing my diet though I always tried to eat healthy. Thanks and will keep you updated. Bridget
Hi Kendra,
Super excited that you found me. I would look at Yarrow as a great herb to help with regulating your periods 🙂
The stomach pangs and nausea probably relate to what you are eating – definitely cut out the bad fats and high dairy. There is heaps here, so just keep reading 🙂
Hi Melissa,
Your blog is truly a life saver. I’ve been miserable the last fee days because I’ve had a period that has seemed to been lasting over 2wks. I thought something else was wrong and after some researched found that my end was the cause. It freaked me out because it’d the first time it’s lasted so long and it’s annoying. After reading your info I see a lot of changes I need to incorporate in my life style to help me out. Any suggestions on the period being prolonged and how to bare the stomach pangs and nauseas feelings.!?
Mainly red meat seems to be hard to digest and often contain high amounts of hormones. Seafood is a fabulous 🙂
When you say cut out meat, is that just red meat or does it include all forms including seafood? I have certainly found that going vegetarian a week before my period and during is very helpful with pain.
Thank you.
Hi Kristin,
It was written quite a while ago so will have to see if I still have it on my computer. Will email it through for you, if I do 🙂
Hey Melissa!!
I read in your article you talked about your free super foods guide? I was wondering if you could give me a link for that because I would love to read over it!!
Thank you!!
Many thanks and good wishes in your journey. : )
Great to meet you Suzanne 🙂 Super with what you are doing in Asia. It is so powerful to educate and inform others of this message 🙂
Hey Melissa
Being a newbie with endometriosis, I am lucky to have started out on a good note. Eating right and trying to release all emotions to heal myself. The latter is still in progress. In my case the cyst came back extremely fast, just 2 months after laparoscopy. Despite that I will still stand strong as the journey just begun. Similarly like you I am trying to reach out to those who are suffering in Asia. Endometriosis is something fairly new here. We’ll it is the terms that is new by fact the symptoms have been long known. I hope to read and learn more from you to help others. Glad to have found your site.
Thank you Melissa, I feel much more powerful already!
Your website is doing a great job…
Love from Amsterdam!
Hi Alma,
Sorry to hear of your struggles with endo. Wobenzym is an immune booster and would do wonders for endometriosis. Get your body ready for carrying a baby. Heal your liver and detox your system and you will feel better.
I love that i found your website very informational.
I have that ugly thng called endometriosis. I have had serveral miscarriages til finally i was able to keep one which was ten years ago. Since then i have not been able to get pregnant again i have been doing alot of research and have read that Maca help with trying to get pregnant and i also found Wobenzym help with endo. Do you anything about these helping with getting pregnant. Desperate and dont know what to do please help.
Louise is fabulous and gives us a great way to move forward! I have a picture of an elephant in my Yoga room which I look at when I am doing the Warrior Pose and it makes me think of that: I am strong and powerful every time 🙂
Since we are talking about the emotional aspect of endo, here is what Louise Hay says
Louise Hay suggests that endometriosis is connected to:
Insecurity, disappointment, and frustration.
Blamers
She suggests that we use this Affirmation: “I am both powerful and desirable. It’s wonderful to be a woman. I love myself and I am fulfilled”
I think this is true of me
yes, I have heard the same thing about the vitamin d as well:)
Thanks for sharing! Some great suggestions here on what to throw out and how to protect ourselves from further toxins 🙂
I also read that a little bit of sun each day is actually good for us. We need vitamin D and all this covering up is actually too much. It also relates to conditions of candida which loves damp and dark spaces – like our body. An hour of sun dramatically improves candida in the body 🙂
Melissa! I’m sorry if my laptop sent the previous message before I finished, it has a mind of its own!
Anyway, I was saying that the emotional side of endo is so very important. I realize now, at age 36, that my emotional problems are largely to blame for the illness. I believe my endo reflects the “clutter” in my own life that has kept me from evolving spiritually. When I junked all of my toiletries and cosmetics due to parabens, phthalates, sulfates, etc. I essentially stripped myself to the core, and am now forcing myself to take a look at who I really am. I realize that I must accept and love myself in order to heal, and that the spiritual healing is as important as diet, herbs, supplements, etc. I want to pass this message on for other girls and women: don’t underestimate the role that your emotions and feelings might be having on your body. We must learn to listen to our bodies: what is the pain of endo trying to tell you? What changes do you need to make in your personal, spiritual, emotional life? For me, this is the hardest part. Thank you for the link Melissa, you can be sure I will check it out:) Also, please junk toiletries and cosmetics with toxins. There are alternatives. Burt’s Bees and Kiss my Face are close to, if not, 100% natural. They’re more expensive but you can use them sparingly. I have disovered that coconut oil, which is rumored to be extremely beneficial for girls and women with endo, also makes a great body and facial moisturizer. And if you are very fair, like me, try covering up with a wide brimmed hat and white blouse to protect yourself from the sun. Many sunscreens are chocked full of chemicals. For toothpaste and deodorant (NEVER use anti-perspirant, it traps toxins inside your body), try Tom’s of Maine!!!
Love, Heather
So happy to hear from you Heather and thanks for your encouragement! You are have certainly discovered heaps already and it is so good to hear you are giving Lupron and the hyster the boot! Well done for knowing that 🙂
It might be worth exploring your emotional side as it seems strange that the conditions flared up at non specific times. Your new friend who embraces the mind and body will probably help there. Otherwise, try some Emotional Freedom Technique. http://endoempowered.com/i-feel-amazing-you-have-to-try-the-emotional-freedom-technique/
Hi Melissa: I have recently discovered your website and, in fact, just received the yoga DVD you recommended today.
I was diagnosed with endo 2 years ago, at age 34. Mine came on very suddenly; I was only symptomatic for a couple of months and boom, next thing I know, I’m in emergency surgery. I had three cysts removed as well as scar tissue on both ovaries. I was diagnosed with IC 4 months later. I thought the endo had grown back, but this time, in my bladder. Funny but the bout of IC lasted about 1 week and the pain suddenly disappeared. I was pain-free for almost 2 years but in Feb. both conditions reappeared. I have 2 cysts on my right ovary and something going on, on the left side and goodness knows where else. Lots of tailbone pain.
My gyno put me on Lupron for Endo and Elmiron for IC. He said if the Lupron doesn’t work he wants to do hysterectomy but leave in one ovary if he can. Well, I am not resigned to that! Nor am I resigned to IC!! I will take no more Lupron or Elmiron.
I have recently discovered that there are ways to heal, I mean really heal, from Endo as well as the other chronic illnesses associated with Endo, such as IC, and I am bound and determined! I have recently changed my diet (alkaline, no dairy, no sugar, all you recommend), am taking supplements to clear my body of toxins (Bovine Colustrum, Marshmallow Root Tea, Ginger Tea,etc…), and am embarking upon the practice of meditation and yoga. I have also just started therapy with a woman who embraces the mind, body connection and is willing to support me on my healing journey.
I just want to thank you for your encouragment and positive words. God has given you a very real, meaningful purpose in life. I hope one day, no, I KNOW one day, I will be able to do what you are doing for women like us. God bless you.
Heather from Virginia:)
Excellent! It just takes one step each and every day and before you know it, you will feel a whole heap better! I look back on what I used to feel like and it is unreal sometimes! Simple obvious changes each and every day! 🙂
Thanks! Went out today and got evening primrose, curcumin and maca root powder! So I’m on track. Also ate no meat or wheat yesterday, so I have started the road to recovery.
xox
Hi Vicky! Great to have a South-African on the site! 🙂
I am glad you found me too! It can be healed and you can feel better! Start with some Evening Primrose or Omega 3. It will help heaps!
Thanks for the wonderful blog. It’s so good knowing I’m not alone. I’m so tired of being sore …..and tired!! I’ve had four laps’ and now I’m full of internal scar tissue! I have constant burning pain in my lower abdomen and it makes me constantly irritated with people around me. So tired of hearing…..”sorry there’s nothing we can do, here take MORE pain killers”
I’m defiantly going to try everything you’ve suggested.
Thanks again
Hi Jaye. I guess it sounds pretty scary to me :). Hey, you could be our guinea pig and let us know how it goes. I would be really keen to hear more about it.
Thanks for the response Melissa.
I know I’m outside the norm on this (and that’s ok) but I don’t see helminthic therapy as drastic. To me it just seems like another probiotic. I’m an ecologist so the whole idea of symbiotic relationships between species doesn’t creep me out. I just can’t believe that the number of women with endo is natural. In the wild if a woman was in that much pain or infertile, she or her genes would have been culled. We evolved with certain “parasites” since before we were human and more scientist all the time are starting to suspect that the huge increase in autoimmune diseases is due to the absence of these critters. I’ll will see if I can find Maca powder and try it out. But I’m still looking for people that may have treated endo with Helminths. I figured this would be a pretty good site to find someone who has done it.
Thanks again! This is a great site.
Thanks Winifred! It is good in a way that we have instant consequences for that very reason 🙂
Excellent article! I have done many of the same things gradually over the last few years and I can attest to major a difference in my body and the way I feel; unfortunately, it numerous surgeries and lots of time and researching but all worth it. I know I always think of the consequences if I am going to put something in my body that I shouldn’t and that is what keeps me on track.
Hi Jaye. I had to read up about Helminthic Therapy and it sounds pretty drastic. I don’t think I would want to be your guinea pig on that one :).
Why don’t you try some more standard options first for 6months and see how you feel. I have found Maca Powder incredibly beneficial at reducing heaps of my symptoms. I have been in that space where you can’t walk from the pain but I am much better now – so it can be done 🙂
I’ll write to you personally and I will send you a long list of things to try first before we have to go to this one 🙂
Hi Melissa.
My mom had endometriosis so bad in her mid 20’s that she had a hysterectomy! Since I started menstruating I’ve been in denial about my own situation. I have a very healthy lifestyle so my symptoms were almost “subclinical” but as I get older my symptoms are getting pretty severe. I’m 37 and every period I have 2 days that the pain is so severe that I can’t work. I can’t walk, feel nauseated, etc. I’ve started bleeding during ovulation.
So…I’ve started to do some research and wondering if anyone has used Helminthic Therapy for their endometriosis. There have been some amazing remission stories for other autoimmune diseases.
Melissa – If you or anyone else on here has heard about someone curing endo with helminthic therapy, I would LOVE to hear about it. Honestly, I’m ready to jump in as soon as I can find a doctor who is open to helping me but, if someone has already done it, I don’t have to feel like a guinea pig.
Thanks! Jaye
Fantastic to hear Anita! Glad it worked for you!
I did all the above two years ago and my endometriosis disappeared!!! Diet was the key. I eliminated beef and eggs the hormones in those things alone can cause pain.
No probs Rose! There is heaps more you can do too 🙂
wow great information, and i believe by following this tips ,its really going to cure endometriosis.
All the best Kristin. Please recognise any symptoms your body is sending early so you can heal it faster! Depo can have some severe side-effects, even just for a short time. Why not check out a support forum called: http://www.weareendo.org and you can hear from more girls who have tried it.
Thank you for your suggestions. I will look into them. 🙂
I think I may agree with you about Depo Provera, but I am willing to give it a chance. If things don’t improve after half a year of use, I think I’d rather stick to having a period than not having a period. (though in a perfect world I’d love to go without..)
Hi Jyotee,
I am glad my articles help you so much :). Glad you followed my advice on the Maca! You can take Maca no matter what – it regulates your hormones – even those that don’t show up on any tests and makes sure you have heaps of stamina. It is also great to help with sex drive (never a bad thing!)
Yes, flatulence is related to digestive problems. When you initially change your diet to largely fruit and vegetables, you can expect some changes and that it is likely to be more frequent. Try cleaning out the bowels with some Chlorella over 2 weeks. It will really help you clean everything out!
Hi melissa,
Its so motivating to read your article. Every time i read ,i feel more positive .Infact i like your proactive approach. I started taking maca root,, its amazing. I want to know if fatulance is part of digestion problem in endo.. what s’d i do for that?can maca roots be taken even if your reports shows normal hormone level?
tx you for being there ,, i really appreciate your help.
Regards
Jyotee
Hi Kristin,
Glad you found me! Your digestion sounds like a fairly serious issue with your Endometriosis. It is related and will cause extra pain on endo too :). You can also try “flushing out” the body with Chlorella tablets. I have just started on it and it is amazing. It does’t give you the runs (sorry for the graphic) but you will go more often but I think it is great to get it out!
Really research your options re the Depo Provera. I went on it and it just made me worse – another operation a year later. Why not look into some natural practitioners instead? There are heaps of other options out there other than western medicine! I don’t think it is natural to stop the periods and I also don’t believe it actually helps heal Endometriosis. (just my opinion)
Check out this article:
http://endoempowered.com/do-you-trust-in-drugs-and-hormonal-treatments-for-endometriosis/
I have just recently been diagnosed at 19…and it has been a relief to me. My pain has not ended, but I now know the cause. Knowing is part of my healing. I will definitely look into some of those…I am working on helping my digestion. While probably unrelated to endo, I have been having bowel issues for the past month. I had drink 2 10oz bottles of magnesium citrate accompanied by a suppository. As soon as all of that cleared up, that time of the month came, and I had constipation again. I am sick and tired of being bloated and in pain!
My obgyn suggested depo provera to me to help with endo, so I will see how that goes…I am a little skeptical and stopping my periods completely.