Endometriosis Specialists in Charlotte, NC

Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.

Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Endometriosis treatment

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How it works

Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.

Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.

Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.

Learn about Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful, chronic condition affecting millions of women worldwide. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus, called the endometrium, starts growing outside the uterine cavity, often affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and tissue around the pelvis. Despite being outside the uterus, this tissue behaves as it would inside it: it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. However, because it has no way to exit the body, it becomes trapped, leading to cysts, adhesions, and pain. Endometriosis can significantly impact a woman's quality of life, affecting physical health, emotional well-being, and fertility.

Causes

The exact cause of endometriosis remains unclear, but several theories exist. One leading theory suggests retrograde menstruation, where menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity instead of leaving the body. Genetic factors might play a role, as endometriosis can run in families. Hormones, especially estrogen, are believed to promote the condition. Immune system disorders may fail to recognize and destroy endometrial-like tissue growing outside the uterus. Lastly, surgical procedures, particularly those involving the uterus like c-sections, can inadvertently transport endometrial cells to other parts of the body.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of endometriosis can vary greatly, but the most common include pelvic pain, especially associated with menstrual periods. This pain can be far worse than typical menstrual cramps and may increase over time. Other symptoms include pain during or after sex, pain with bowel movements or urination, excessive bleeding during or between periods, and infertility. Some people may experience fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea, especially during menstrual periods. It's important to note that the severity of pain isn't necessarily indicative of the extent of the condition. Some women with mild endometriosis may have severe pain, while others with advanced endometriosis may have little discomfort.

Diagnosing Endometriosis

Diagnosing endometriosis can be challenging and often involves multiple steps. Initially, a healthcare provider may conduct a thorough pelvic exam to check for any abnormalities. However, definitive diagnosis usually requires visualizing the endometrial implants, which is typically done through laparoscopy—a minimally invasive surgery allowing a direct view of the pelvic organs. Imaging tests like ultrasound and mri can help provide more information but can't conclusively diagnose endometriosis. Diagnosing endometriosis can be a lengthy process, partly because symptoms can resemble those of other conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease or ovarian cysts.

Prevention and natural treatment

There's no known way to prevent endometriosis, but its symptoms can be managed with treatment. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of symptoms and whether the patient wants to become pregnant. Pain relief may be achieved through nsaids like ibuprofen. Hormonal therapies that aim to reduce or eliminate menstruation are often effective in reducing pain and slowing endometrial growth. In severe cases, laparoscopic surgery to remove as much endometriosis as possible can provide significant pain relief and improve fertility. For those not seeking pregnancy, a hysterectomy might be considered as a last resort. Lifestyle and dietary changes, along with complementary therapies like acupuncture and pelvic physiotherapy, may offer additional symptom relief for some people.

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