What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis, pronounced as en-doe-me-tree-O-sis, is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb, unlike typical menstruation where it grows inside. This displaced tissue becomes trapped within the body, triggering a chronic inflammatory response. Over time, this inflammation can lead to the formation of scar tissue, known as adhesions, and fibroids.

These adhesions often develop within the pelvic region, causing organs such as the ovaries to adhere to each other or to the pelvic sidewall. Endometriosis implants can also affect other parts of the body where the tissue is found. The formation of scar tissue and adhesions can cause organs that are normally separate to become fused together, leading to complications such as pain, infertility, and other symptoms associated with endometriosis.

The disorder commonly results in severe discomfort during activities like sexual intercourse, bowel movements, and urination. Unfortunately, it can also lead to infertility. Those affected often endure chronic pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, and fatigue. Emotionally, individuals with endometriosis may experience challenges such as depression, anxiety, and episodes of fainting.

Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women and girls of reproductive age. Managing this condition requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, reduce inflammation, and address the impact on quality of life.

How it affected me

In 1993, my husband and I embarked on a backpacking adventure to Thailand. It was my first time in Asia, and the anticipation of the trip filled me with excitement.

Little did I know, this journey would alter the course of my life forever.

Worrying about my period

In the weeks leading up to our holiday, I was plagued with worry, not just about when my period would arrive, but also about the intense symptoms I would endure.

Thankfully, it began about five days before our flight. I spent those days fervently hoping it would end in time for a smooth journey, as my periods often played tricks by stopping and starting unpredictably. Also, they were incredibly painful periods.

This time, fortunately, it ended as hoped. Grateful to the universe, I spent the flight immersing myself in learning Thai.

However, I knew another period would likely come during our time in Thailand. To prepare, I packed my usual stash, six boxes of Super Plus Tampax and four packets of Super Plus sanitary towels, along with plenty of painkillers.

Thailand

Thailand captivated me with its amazing cuisine and overall charm, but one thing caught me off guard, was the absence of fresh milk. As someone accustomed to enjoying coffee with plenty of fresh milk, this was a notable surprise.

It wasn’t a disappointment, as I’m adaptable, but it puzzled me, especially with cows roaming freely around.

I couldn’t understand why milk wasn’t available when there were so many cows. It turns out, these cows weren’t bred for milk production.

Back then, Westerners in Thailand often used powdered milk in tea or coffee. I found powdered milk unappealing due to its chemical taste, so I opted for black coffee or tea instead.

However, my perspective shifted one day when a local woman suggested trying soy milk. To my delight, soya milk added a creamy texture to my coffee that I found quite enjoyable. It was a pleasant discovery to adapt to the culinary delights of Thailand.

Not having any dairy

As you can see from the picture, it’s another adorable animal. Animals hold a special place in my heart, which is why I’ve been involved in helping animals in Cambodia.

During the next three weeks, I made a significant dietary change by cutting out dairy, bread, and pasta. Instead, I opted for soy milk in my coffee and focused on a diet of fresh fish, seafood, rice, vegetables, soups, and noodles. Thai cuisine, bursting with flavours, was a delight to my palate and left me feeling nourished and energised.

This shift in diet also had a positive impact on my health. It wasn’t fattening, and importantly, it helped me manage my struggle with Bulimia Nervosa.

With the support of my two friends, I sought and received the necessary help to embark on a path of recovery. If you’re interested in learning more about my journey, feel free to find out more.

But one day

Oh! no blood

One morning, I woke up to find blood in my pants and was immediately thrown into shock because I hadn’t experienced any prior pain. Concerned that something might be wrong, I checked the lump in my ear, it was as large as it usually gets just before my period starts. This lump would consistently appear right before each period and vanish as soon as it ended.

This peculiar period only lasted three days and wasn’t very heavy. It left me puzzled and unable to understand what was happening. Even an extra-large Tampax lasted only two hours.

I felt a slight ache in my stomach, but it wasn’t severe. Taking just one paracetamol (instead of my usual two, plus two ibuprofen) quickly relieved any discomfort within 30 minutes.

I was bewildered by the experience. Initially, I attributed it to being on holiday and relaxed, but I couldn’t shake the nagging question of why this was happening.

Why oh why

Intrigued by this I went to talk to the local Thai women.  I wanted to understand more about their menstrual health.

I discovered that they were unfamiliar with conditions like endometriosis or any significant period-related issues. Most of them reported never experiencing heavy periods, and those who did have pain likened it to mild discomfort.

I was perplexed. Why were Thai women seemingly unaffected by these issues that plagued me and many others? Determined to uncover the reason behind this, I delved deeper into research.

Returning home from this enlightening holiday, my next period reverted to its usual pattern, severe pain, heaviness, and clots.

Yet, I still felt a lingering sense of relaxation from my time in Asia. There’s something about the region that injects a tranquil Buddhist essence, even when you’re no longer physically there.

Reflecting on this, I speculated that perhaps the difference lay in the food. It was time to experiment with my diet and its impact on my body, hoping to uncover clues that could lead to better managing my health.

A Kinesiologist

Booking an appointment with a Kinesiologist was a leap into the unknown for me, as many people had never heard of this practice and some thought I was taking an unconventional path.

I first learned about Kinesiology from an article where a woman with fibroids had found relief through this method, prompting me to give it a try.

The Kinesiologist I saw was a man who resembled an old professor from the days of Albert Einstein, and his office resembled an ancient library.

He instructed me to lie on a bed and proceeded to move my arms and legs into various positions. Initially, I was bewildered by the process, it felt like he was simply wiggling my limbs.

Then, he placed his hands on my stomach. I’ve always disliked people touching my stomach, so I was uneasy. He calmly mentioned,

“I am going to adjust your womb, it’s in the wrong position.”

I had no clue what he meant, and surprisingly, there was no discomfort during the procedure. At that moment, I wondered if he might be a bit eccentric.

He then outlined a dietary plan for me, recommending the elimination of certain foods for six weeks followed by a gradual reintroduction.

Additionally, he provided a list of natural vitamins that he suggested I incorporate into my daily routine. It was a lot to take in, but I was willing to try anything that might offer relief.

This is what he advised me to eat and take

• Milk Thistle – This herb contains silymarin. Which is an antioxidant that is noninflammatory. This helps the liver to detoxify the excess estrogen from the body. Which helps to fight endometriosis.

• Probiotics -Otherwise known as a gut bacterium. The gut is vital in expelling hormones from the body. The bacterial genes called estrobolome in Probiotics produce an enzyme that helps to assist the metabolization of estrogen.

• Omega-3 fatty acids – These help to reduce the inflammation. They also help to assist the functions of the immune system.

• Vitamin B6 – This vitamin helps to increase progesterone production. Which is helpful in fighting endometriosis. This also helps the liver to remove the unneeded estrogen from the body. It also helps to boost the immune system.

I was a good patient and did as he asked

Taking the vitamins and making significant changes to my diet was a transformative experience.

For six weeks, I focused on consuming only chicken, fish, and vegetables, eliminating tea, coffee, and anything sweet. It was all part of clearing my body, as advised by the Kinesiologist, before gradually reintroducing foods to identify triggers for my IBS.

Reintroducing food was an eye-opening process. It quickly became clear that certain foods like bread, pasta, and milk exacerbated my symptoms, causing pain.

This newfound awareness of how my body reacted to different foods was enlightening. I realised the importance of listening to and understanding my body a stark contrast to the common belief that you either endure discomfort or rely on medication.

As a result of these dietary changes and heightened awareness, my subsequent periods showed marked improvement. Though I still experienced some pain, it was significantly reduced from before.

This experience instilled in me a lifelong commitment to mindful eating and body awareness. It not only helped me manage my health but also allowed me to effectively control my weight by making informed choices about what I eat. As you are what you eat.