Endometriosis: Most Effective Dietary Supplements

Endometriosis is a chronic, polymorphic, and multifactorial gynecological disease affecting women of childbearing age, often associated with infertility. It is characterized by various symptoms, particularly frequent pelvic pain and painful periods. While its exact causes are poorly understood, some hormonal, genetic, immune, or environmental factors have been identified and could partly explain this complex and underdiagnosed disease, for which no curative treatment exists.

Symptoms and Complications

The endometrium is the tissue lining the inner surface of the uterus. When it develops outside the uterine cavity, due to hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle, it may exert pressure on the ovaries, intestines, bladder, and the lining tissues of the pelvis. This condition involves different lesions (superficial or deep nodules, ovarian cysts). Endometriosis lesions can affect the uterine muscle, ovaries, or peritoneum. Besides chronic pain, an inflammatory component characterizes this disease. It is associated with high oxidative stress. It results from an adhesion between organs during the migration of tissue similar to the uterine lining. Additionally, there are hormonal imbalances within endometrial tissues. This condition affects 2.5 million women in France. The main symptoms of endometriosis are: • Painful periods (dysmenorrhea) • Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) • Frequent pelvic pain • Umbilical and/or abdominal pain • Lower back pain extending to the legs • Difficulty urinating (dysuria) • Painful defecation • Chronic fatigue • Psychological suffering (anxiety) The main complication that can arise with endometriosis is the appearance of a digestive stenosis with signs of sub-obstruction, requiring surgical intervention. The rupture of an endometrial cyst into the peritoneal cavity is another serious complication. These risks of complications are nonetheless very rare. Moreover, this condition poses a serious risk of developing depression as it affects the quality of the couple's relationship, professional and social life, and more broadly, the well-being of women.

Causes and Risk Factors

Endometriosis is a complex disease whose exact causes remain uncertain. However, several hypotheses and mechanisms have been proposed to explain its development based on a combination of genetic, immunological, hormonal, and environmental factors. Retrograde Menstruation Theory This phenomenon occurs when endometrial tissue, instead of being expelled during periods, flows backward through the fallopian tubes to reach the pelvic cavity. Once there, these tissue fragments may implant on neighboring organs, causing chronic inflammation and lesions. Immune Dysfunction Normally, the body should eliminate endometrial cells migrating out of the uterus. In some women, this process is insufficient, allowing abnormal tissue to implant and grow. Hormonal Influence Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease. One theory suggests that endometriosis, whether intrauterine or extrauterine, results from significant mechanical pressures exerted by myometrial contractions, particularly during ovulation and menstruation. These contractions promote the migration of endometrial cells outside the uterus, leading to the appearance of endometriotic lesions. These lesions require a strong estrogenic impregnation for growth and proliferation, which explains their regression in the absence of hormonal impregnation. Moreover, an autostimulatory loop would set itself in the lesions, increasing local estrogen production while reducing sensitivity to progesterone, explaining the failure of some progestogenic treatments. Genetic Factors Studies show a genetic predisposition to endometriosis. Women with a family history of the disease are more likely to develop it. Role of Environmental Factors Exposure to certain environmental pollutants, including endocrine disruptors like dioxins and phthalates, could promote the onset of endometriosis. These chemical substances can interfere with hormones and cause inflammation. These causes are not mutually exclusive and often interact to promote the development and evolution of endometriosis.

Prevention

Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet helps reduce chronic pain and improve quality of life. It is recommended to include in the diet omega-3 rich foods (fatty fish, flaxseeds, nuts) for their anti-inflammatory effects, as well as cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower) rich in antioxidants and compounds promoting liver detoxification of estrogens. Supplementation with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B6 is particularly beneficial for reducing inflammation and supporting hormonal regulation. Antioxidants help limit the effects of high oxidative stress often associated with endometriosis. Several plants are recognized for their beneficial effects on endometriosis symptoms. Among these are: • Yarrow: Rich in flavonoids and luteolol, this plant is particularly interesting in cases of endometriosis to prevent various menstrual disorders. It regulates hormonal imbalances, thanks to its "progesterone-like" effect. Moreover, through its emmenagogue (stimulation of blood flow) and fluidifying action, it facilitates menstrual flow. Its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic effects soothe pelvic pain and irregular periods. It also promotes liver work to recycle (detoxify) excess estrogens. Its venous and lymphatic decongestant action is therefore beneficial for regulating the menstrual cycle and rebalancing hormone levels. • Ginger: Well known for its favorable digestive effects, ginger is also a plant with anti-inflammatory properties that helps reduce inflammation and soothes menstrual pain. It is also useful for relieving nausea associated with endometriosis. As a depurative, it plays a beneficial role in eliminating liver excess toxins. Essential oils represent an effective complementary approach to relieve pain and inflammation associated with endometriosis. Recommended essential oils include: • Tropical Basil: With antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, it can be used to relieve menstrual cramps. It can be applied topically (diluted in a vegetable oil) or taken orally (diluted in honey or herbal tea). • Roman Chamomile: Soothes spasms and reduces pelvic pain while having a relaxing effect on the psycho-emotional level. • Tarragon: Known for its antispasmodic action, it reduces pain related to uterine and digestive spasms. A synergy of essential oils can be prepared to combine their effects, to be used in massage on the pelvic area.