You’re not alone – endometriosis is a debilitating condition that affects an estimated 1 in 10 women in their reproductive years. If you’re struggling with pain, fatigue, inflammation and infertility then you might want to try these natural supplements for endometriosis.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a female reproductive condition that occurs when the cells that make up the lining of the uterus travel to other parts of the female reproductive system and pelvis such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
These cells are stimulated by female reproductive hormones and they shed blood during menstruation each cycle. The blood that is shed accumulates with nowhere to go, causes deposits and forms painful inflamed scar tissue.
Endometriosis causes debilitating pain, fatigue, prolonged periods and infertility which can make you feel miserable and ruin the quality of your life.
However, while endometriosis symptoms can be complex to treat, there are some natural supplements that have been shown to scientifically help manage pain and reduce endometrial lesion and cysts. Let’s explore 5 of the best supplements for endometriosis below:
5 Best Supplements for Endometriosis
1. Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil (buy here) is obtained from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. What makes it beneficial for endometriosis is its hormone balancing properties. Evening primrose oil is rich in gamma linoleic acids (GLAs), which is a type of omega 6 fatty acids.
Since our bodies cannot naturally produce GLAs, we need to get this nutrient through diet and supplements.
Taking evening primrose oil supplements is useful for treating reproductive conditions like endometriosis which are caused by estrogen-dominance.
It greatly helps reduce inflammation in the body and in this case, the female reproductive system, which decreases inflamed endometrial lesions or cysts.
Evening primrose oil also has strong anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties that inhibit the growth of endometrial tumors and cysts. These growths are caused by prostaglandins, and evening primrose oil helps by regulating prostaglandin production. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances produced by the body in response to injury or infection.
Do you suffer from unbearable pain during menstruation? Evening primrose oil can work magic in reducing this pain and inflammation by reducing ‘bad’ prostaglandins, especially during menstruation.
2. Milk Thistle
Milk thistle (buy here) is an herbal supplement that is extracted from the milk thistle plant (scientific name: Silybum marianum). It has been used for ages to treat liver problems.
This herb is known to help optimize liver function and detox excess hormones from the liver.
Excess estrogen is the major culprit that causes endometrial pain and heavy & prolonged menstruation. Since endometriosis is fuelled by excess estrogen in the body, taking milk thistle supplements is recommended to flush out this excess estrogen.
3. Vitex
Vitex, also known as chasteberry (buy here), is a popular remedy for female reproductive problems such as ovarian cysts, fibroids and endometriosis. It is excellent for balancing hormones, which is important because endometriosis is caused by estrogen dominance in the body.
Taking Vitex supplements helps regulate progesterone and estrogen balance by supporting increased progesterone production.
4. Indole 3 Carbinol
A phyto-nutrient found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts and others, indole 3 carbinol (buy here) is a powerful detoxifier. It helps purge excess hormones, including estrogen from the liver.
This helps improve and eliminate endometriosis symptoms such as pain, heavy bleeding, prolonged periods, inflammation and further development & growth of endometrial cysts and lesions.
5. B-Complex Vitamins
Vitamin B is also on this list of best supplements for endometriosis. It is a group of 8 B-vitamins that play important roles in the body, including promoting cell metabolism, balancing hormones, supporting the liver and boosting immune function.
Taking B-complex vitamins (buy here) is beneficial for women with endometriosis because it helps balance excess estrogen in the body by promoting progesterone production.
Vitamin B6 has been shown to significantly reduce the intensity and duration of period pains. B-vitamins also help convert Essential Fatty Acids (ELAs) into a form that can be used by the body to produce the ‘good’ type of prostaglandins that have anti-inflammatory properties and provide a relaxing effect on the womb.
If this conversion doesn’t take place, the body will keep producing ‘bad’ type of prostaglandins that increase endometrial pain and inflammation.
Are you ready to start taking any of the above supplements for endometriosis? Share your thoughts below!
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