What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a gynecological condition that causes the endometrial tissue that lines your uterus to grow outside the uterus and on other organs. The displaced tissue may grow on your fallopian tubes, ovaries, and/or outer area of your uterus. It can also grow on your vagina, bladder, and bowel.
During your menstrual cycle, your endometrial tissue thickens in preparation for pregnancy. When you don’t become pregnant, your uterus sheds the endometrial tissue, resulting in your period. The endometrial tissue that grows on the other parts of your body acts the same way as it would in your uterus, which causes swelling, pain, and eventually bleeding. Unfortunately, the blood has nowhere to go, which irritates the tissue and causes inflammation that may lead to tissue scarring. Scar tissue damage may lead to chronic pelvic pain and infertility.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Most women with endometriosis experience severe pelvic pain during their period. Other symptoms you may experience include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pain during intercourse
- Painful urination or bowel movements
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Infertility
Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose and you may be diagnosed with other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or ovarian cysts before it’s determined that your symptoms are due to endometriosis.
What can I expect during a consultation for endometriosis?
Dr. Caitlin Fanning, ND is a women’s health expert and wants to do everything she can to help relieve your symptoms. Before your initial 90-minute consultation, Dr. Caitlin Fanning, ND has you complete a health questionnaire, which provides valuable information about your health and symptoms.
During your evaluation, Dr. Caitlin Fanning, ND asks more detailed questions about your health history, symptoms, and lifestyle to get a better understanding of your overall wellness. She not only provides care for your physical health, but also wants to improve your emotional, mental, social, and spiritual health. Dr. Caitlin Fanning, ND also conducts a physical exam.
To provide diagnostic data about your health, Dr. Caitlin Fanning, ND requests lab work, which may include routine labs, as well as testing for nutrient deficiencies and hormone levels.
What are the treatments for endometriosis?
Dr. Caitlin Fanning, ND takes a whole-person approach to care and develops a comprehensive treatment plan to not only provide relief from your endometriosis but also improve your overall health. Your treatment plan may include:
- Diet therapy
- Lifestyle modification
- Nutritional and herbal supplements
- Bioidentical hormones
- Medication
- Intravenous (IV) therapy
Dr. Caitlin Fanning, ND also specializes in preconception care and can provide you with the tools you need to improve your chances of pregnancy.
Your plan is tailored specifically to meet your needs and adjusted as needed as you continue to follow up with Dr. Caitlin Fanning, ND until you’ve reached your health goals.
Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition that can cause symptoms that affect the quality of life. For a natural approach to the management of your endometriosis, contact Pacific Coast Integrative Health by phone or online today.
