Hydrotherapy, Juice Therapy, and Progesterone Cream

Endometriosis is a condition occurring in 5-10% of women, and is often painful.  Endometriosis occurs when the endometrium, the tissue found within the uterus, grows outside the uterus.  There are several options for natural pain relief for women who suffer from endometriosis, some of which are discussed below.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when the endometrium, the tissue typically found within the uterus, begins to grow outside the uterus.  The condition has four stages, and the amount of pain a woman feels is not necessarily related to the stage of endometriosis she has.  Symptoms of endometriosis include, but are not limited to: painful menstrual cramps, which may get worse over time, chronic pelvic pain, typically accompanied by lower back pain, an inability or difficulty conceiving a baby, fatigue, mood swings, recurrent miscarriages, painful urination, urinary urgency and frequency, pain during sexual intercourse, painful bowel movements, and gastrointestinal symptoms, which may look like irritable bowel syndrome. 

Juice Therapy

The book New Choices in Natural Healing suggests drinking juice to help the symptoms of endometriosis.  It is recommended you drink the juice at room temperature, apart from meals.  John Peterson, M.D., an Ayurvedic practitioner, says mango, pineapple, and papaya juice is best for endometriosis, while you should stay away from grape juice. 

Progesterone Cream

Though no research studies have examined the effectiveness or safety of progesterone cream for endometriosis, some women find it effective for the treatment of their symptoms.  Progesterone cream can be purchased at drug stores; however, you should consult a physician for dosing instructions.  Your progesterone level should also be monitored in blood tests because it can cause side effects, including abnormal or absent menstrual bleeding, depression, mood changes, water retention, and weight gain. 

Progesterone cream is typically applied to the inner arms, wrists, inner thighs, or the upper chest. 

Hydrotherapy

Some women find hydrotherapy an effective treatment for endometriosis even though it has never been studied.  Contrast sitz baths are done by filling two small tubs or basins with water.  Fill one tub with hot water and the other with cool water.  Sit in the hot tub for three minutes, then sit in the cool tub for one minute.  Repeat the cycle three more times.  Contrast sitz baths are not usually done during menstruation.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid

Several studies indicate omega-3 fatty acid may be effective for treating painful symptoms of endometriosis.  Omega-3 fatty acid can be found in fish oil capsules, salmon, anchovies, mackerel, and sardines.  In one study conducted at the University of Western Ontario with animals discovered two compounds, DHA and EPA, can decrease levels of an inflammatory chemical, called prostaglandin E2, which reduces pain.  Additionally, the study discovered fish oil can slow down the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. 

Endometriosis can be a painful condition for women, but these natural remedies can help reduce the symptoms of the condition.

Sources:

Wikipedia: Endometriosis

About.com: Natural Treatments for Endometriosis

New Choices for Natural Healing: Over 1,800 of the Best Self-Help Remedies from the World of Alternative Medicine, Edited by Bill Gottlieb