Endometriosis is an extremely prevalent condition in Australia affecting one in nine women, individuals assigned female at birth, and transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse people by the age of 44-49 years. It's estimated that it takes an average of 6-8 years for a woman to receive a diagnosis, highlighting the challenges in early detection (AWIH, 2024).
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory and multifaceted condition caused by endometrial tissue which is located in the uterus, grows and is found in other parts of the body. Endometrial tissue, known as the endometrium, is an essential tissue for reproduction, however, when grown in other parts of the body has the ability to cause severe to debilitating symptoms to individuals affecting quality of life and fertility.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Endometriosis can disrupt the anatomic, hormonal and immunological environment causing a variety of clinical symptoms.
Dysmenorrhea also known as painful menstrual bleed
Menorrhagia also known as heavy or prolonged bleeding
Chronic pelvic pain, typically accompanied by lower abdominal pain and or lower back pain
Dyspareunia also known as painful intercourse
Urinary urgency, frequency and possible pain on passing urine
Proctalgia also known as rectal pain
Inflammation
Digestive issues like constipation or diarrhoea which can fluctuate, accompanied with abdominal bloating
Subfertility and issues with conceiving
Treatment for Endometriosis in Western Medicine
The current treatment and management of endometriosis in Western Medicine is pharmaceutical intervention or, and laparoscopy surgery using either ablation, excision or a combination of both techniques. While treatment options may relieve endometriosis pain and symptoms there is high reoccurrence rate and for symptoms to return after surgery or after stopping pharmaceutical interventions. According to the Human Reproduction Journal published in 2009, the rate of endometriosis reoccurrence post surgery is 21.5% after 2 years, and 40-50% after 5 years. This is when Chinese medicine and other allied health modalities can be very effective in treating and managing endometriosis by reducing pain intensity and severity, reduce incidence of reoccurrence, increase blood flow and promote blood circulation, reduce inflammation, support digestion and a healthy gut microbiome, reduce stress and improve sleep and mental wellbeing.
Endometriosis from a Chinese Medicine Lens
In Chinese medicine theory, endometriosis is caused by stagnation of blood, or "blood stasis," in the lower abdomen and pelvis. This affects the flow of blood and as a result adhesion, abdominal masses and blood cysts form. Blood stasis in Chinese medicine can arise from various factors and can manifest as menstrual issues and accompanying symptoms.
Qi Stagnation: Emotional stress, frustration, or anger can disrupt the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy), leading to blood stasis.
Cold Accumulation: Cold constitution or exposure to cold, especially during menstruation, can constrict blood vessels and impede blood flow.
Phlegm Stasis: In some cases, dampness and phlegm can obstruct the flow of Qi and blood, contributing to endometriosis.
Liver and Kidney Deficiency: These Chinese medicine organ systems, which are very different to Western Medicine, play crucial roles in regulating menstruation. Their deficiencies can lead to imbalances and contribute to endometriosis.
Constitutional: Endometriosis has a significant genetic component, meaning that individuals with a family history of endometriosis are at a higher risk of having endometriosis.
Endometriosis and Fertility
Endometriosis is a common gynaecological condition that can cause infertility in 30-50% of individuals. Endometriosis can cause issues with fertility for a number of reasons, however, more research is needed to fully comprehend and understand the affect endometriosis has on fertility.
Structural abnormalities to uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries
Inflammation and immune dysfunction
Fallopian tube obstruction affecting ovulation
Increased prostaglandin production
Endometrial changes reducing implantation rates
Low progesterone levels in the luteal phase
Endometriosis can affect oocyte quality
Ovarian reserve may be lower in individuals with endometriosis
Hormonal dysregulation
Chinese Medicine Treatment Strategies
Chinese medicine’s approach to treating endometriosis and blood stasis is individualised focusing on addressing the underlying imbalances. Common treatment modalities include:
Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine formulas are prescribed to invigorate blood, resolve stasis, and regulate Qi are frequently used, while treating the underlying cause.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can help to relieve pain, improve blood circulation, regulate the endocrine system, reduce inflammation, while supporting digestion, sleep and mental wellbeing. Specific acupuncture points are selected based on the individual's symptoms and diagnosis.
Timing of acupuncture appointments can also optimise outcomes. If you are unsure of when to make an appointment we recommend speaking to one of our qualified acupuncturists by scheduling in a 10 free discovery call.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion therapy involves applying heat to acupuncture points, which can be particularly beneficial for cases involving cold accumulation.
Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations
Endometriosis is commonly associated with the inflammation and the gut microbiome so your practitioner will advise appropriate diet therapy and lifestyle recommendations to help manage and treat your endometriosis symptoms.
Your practitioner will most likely discuss the following with you:
Prioritising a whole food inflammatory diet high in protein, fibre, omega's, and fatty acids
Warm cooked foods, while avoiding raw, uncooked and cold food and drinks
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals also known as EDC's
Prioritising sleep and managing stress
Movement and exercise
Tips to help manage during your pain window e.g. TENS machine, applying heat
Appropriate supplementation
Referring to see additional health care professionals if appropriate. E.g. gynaecologist, pelvic floor physiotherapist, psychologist, sexologist, naturopath
Integrating Chinese Medicine
At Melbourne Reproductive Acupuncture we believe in patient-focused and collaborative care. We love to work one on one in adjunct to your other healthcare practitioners to best manage and treat endometriosis to ensure best outcomes and support your fertility.
Approach to Treatment at Melbourne Reproductive Acupuncture
At Melbourne Reproductive Acupuncture, the primary approach to treating endometriosis is with acupuncture and herbal medicine can be added in. Initially we recommend weekly acupuncture appointments but frequency and timing of appointments are based on the individuals presenting symptoms and pain window.
Book your appointment
If you are interested in learning more or booking in with one of our qualified and experienced practitioners, please book online via the link below or call us on (03) 9132 0287.
(03) 9132 0287
Resources / References:
PMID: 39892903
PMID: 36716811
PMID: 39110208
Treatment of Infertility with Chinese Medicine by Jane Lyttelton
Written by Meghan Smith
BHSc (TCM)
AHPRA and AACMA
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