Endometriosis

How to Treat Endometriosis Naturally

We seek to give our patients natural relief for endometriosis symptoms.

A Deep Level of Relief

Pelvic pain, heavy bleeding during menstrual cycles, pain during sex – these can all be indicators that you have endometriosis. This common condition, affecting 10% of women, can cause serious pain and can also cause fertility issues. We’re here to help you find a natural way to alleviate those negative symptoms affecting your life by designing a treatment plan that addresses your goals, whether that’s less pain or increased fertility.

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Our Holistic Treatment for Endometriosis

Endometriosis symptoms vary from person to person, but the most common indicators are pelvic pain, pain during sex, pain during urination or bowel movements, and heavy bleeding during menstrual cycles. All of these symptoms are unwanted and can cause a ripple effect that impacts many areas of your health and life. We work with you, taking the time to listen to your concerns, so we can get you to a place where you are not held back by pain.

Natural Remedies for Endometriosis

The good news is that there are several options available to treat endometriosis. Your OB/GYN and/or fertility specialist may recommend pain medication, hormone treatments, or surgery. While those can be very effective, we seek to give our patients natural relief for endometriosis symptoms.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treat the body as a whole and work to bring a balance to your qi and blood. After discussing your history and identifying your needs, we’ll recommend a treatment plan that could involve acupuncture treatments, a tailored blend of Chinese herbs, CBD for menstrual cramps, or a mix of all three.

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Acupuncture

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Herbal Medicine

Acupuncture for Endometriosis

Acupuncture is an effective treatment that helps to alleviate symptoms of endometriosis, such as dysmenorrhea and pain. Treatments rebalance qi and hormones throughout the body which can reduce pain and limit the proliferation of tissue outside of the uterus. While acupuncture is not a cure for endometriosis, regulating your menstrual cycle can have a profound impact on your overall wellbeing.

During treatment, patients can expect to have acupuncture needles placed on the abdomen, legs, wrists, and sometimes elsewhere, such as the ears. Results can vary based on a number of factors, however, most patients see results after receiving weekly treatments for 3-6 months. Incorporating Chinese herbs into the treatment plan also helps improve results.

Acupuncture for Endometriosis and Infertility

In addition to being painful, endometriosis can have a negative impact on fertility. The issue could be a blockage in the fallopian tubes, eggs and/or sperm being damaged, or pain during sex, leading to a decrease in attempting to conceive. Acupuncture can improve your fertility profile by reducing symptoms associated with endometriosis and by regulating the menstrual cycle. We’ll work closely with you so we can not only treat the obvious issues, but the underlying root causes as well.

During treatment, patients can expect to have acupuncture needles placed on the abdomen, legs, wrists, and sometimes elsewhere, such as the ears. Results can vary based on a number of factors, however, most patients see results after receiving weekly treatments for 3-6 months. Incorporating Chinese herbs into the treatment plan also helps improve results.

Chinese Herbs for Endometriosis

There is no one endometriosis Chinese herbal formula designed to work for every patient. Chinese herb formulas are developed for each individual patient to address their needs while also accounting for the differences that make us unique. For endometriosis, Chinese medicine lowers overall pain receptors/sensations by increasing endorphins and also promotes the movement of qi and blood to balance hormone levels while also going beyond reducing immediate pain and working to address the root causes.

To maximize the effectiveness of a patient’s treatment, it is recommended that Chinese herbal medicine be combined with acupuncture treatments. Those that take this approach typically experience increased improvement of their symptoms, quicker results, and more sustained results. Patients who are taking Chinese herbal medicine are also more likely to be able to reduce the frequency of acupuncture treatment after 2-3 months.

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KW

My chronic pain and migraines have gone down and my cycles have been more regular.

I've been coming to Transformational Acupuncture for just over a month now and have experienced excellent results from working with Jamee Pineda. My chronic pain and migraines have gone down and my cycles have been more regular. We are now working on my fertility and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together. The space is very inviting and LGBTQ-friendly! Highly recommend!!

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Quiz – Do I have Endometriosis?

Endometriosis can present in a number of different ways which can make it difficult to diagnose. You may also believe certain symptoms like heavy bleeding or severe cramping during your menstrual cycle are normal and be hesitant to seek treatment. If you think you might have endometriosis, please take this short quiz.

Do I have Endometriosis?

Please Note: This is not a validated test for endometriosis and answers should not be treated as an official diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is when tissue that would normally stay in the uterus travels outside of that boundary, into fallopian tubes, ovaries, tissue lining the pelvis, and sometimes beyond the pelvic region. This tissue sheds during a menstrual cycle, which can cause serious pain as well as fertility issues.

How Do You Know If You Have Endometriosis?

There are a number of symptoms that can indicate endometriosis. Painful periods, pain during sexual intercourse, pain during urination or bowel movements, excessive bleeding during menstrual cycles, and infertility are common indicators of endometriosis.

Try to track your menstrual cycle – how long it is, level of pain, amount of bleeding, etc. This will help your healthcare professional make an accurate diagnosis.

What Are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?

Some common symptoms of endometriosis include severe pain during periods, pain during sexual intercourse, pain during urination or bowel movements, and excessive bleeding during periods. However, the level of pain does not indicate the severity of the condition. Some experience little to no pain and still have endometriosis.

Infertility is also connected to endometriosis. A common time to get an endometriosis diagnosis is when trying to conceive.

What Are the First Signs of Endometriosis?

One of the most common indicators of endometriosis is pelvic pain. This pain often worsens during a menstrual cycle. Other indicators include pain when urinating or during a bowel movement, pain during sexual intercourse, and heavy blood flow during periods. This condition can worsen over time, so tell your healthcare professional if you are experiencing any of those or other symptoms.

How Common Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is fairly common in the U.S., affecting an estimated 2 to 10 percent of women between the ages of 25 and 40.

Is Endometriosis Genetic?

While the causes of endometriosis are largely unknown, studies have indicated that having a relative (mother, sister, aunt, cousin) can increase your risk of endometriosis.

Can Endometriosis Cause Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is slightly more prevalent in those diagnosed with endometriosis. However, the risk for developing ovarian cancer is low for all women.

Is Endometriosis an Autoimmune Disease?

Endometriosis shares many similarities with autoimmune diseases but is not currently classified as one.

Can Endometriosis Cause Back Pain?

Many have reported pain beyond the pelvis, including the back. This kind of pain may not respond to better posture or pain medication. Talk with your healthcare professional if you are experiencing regular back pain, especially if it appears or worsens during your period.

Does Endometriosis Cause Infertility?

Endometriosis does not cause infertility, but it can negatively affect your ability to conceive. Cells may obstruct the fallopian tubes or can even damage eggs and cells.

How Does Endometriosis Cause Infertility

Endometriosis does not automatically cause infertility, however the misplacement of the uterine cells can prevent eggs from reaching the uterus and/or cause damage to eggs and sperm, making it more difficult to conceive.

How to Improve Fertility with Endometriosis

There are a couple of ways you can improve your fertility if you have endometriosis. Your OB/GYN, fertility specialist, or other healthcare professional may recommend fertility treatments (e.g. ovary stimulation or IVF). A surgery to remove the endometriosis implants while preserving your uterus and ovaries may also increase your chances of success. Natural ways to improve fertility include acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

Acupuncture and Chinese herb formulas help regulate the entire monthly cycle, normalizing blood flow to reduce any negative symptoms related to the menses. Egg and sperm quality are improved by increasing the blood flow to the reproductive organs. Acupuncture treatments also lend additional support to those undergoing IUI or IVF treatments.

Can You Get Pregnant with Endometriosis?

Yes, you can get pregnant with endometriosis, but it may be harder to conceive. Consult your healthcare professional if you believe endometriosis may be affecting your ability to conceive.

Can I Get Pregnant Naturally with Endometriosis?

Yes, you can naturally conceive if you have endometriosis. Many with endometriosis that have fertility issues may choose to undergo IVF, but there are other options and ways to improve fertility. Please consult your healthcare professional for fertility options.

Can You Have PCOS and Endometriosis?

Yes, it is possible to have both endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Studies have shown that women with PCOS are more likely to be diagnosed with endometriosis.

Can You Have Endometriosis After a Hysterectomy?

Endometriosis is when cells that normally form tissue to line the uterus become implanted on surfaces beyond the outside of the uterus, such as the abdominal cavity, ovaries, bowel, and nearby organs. This tissue sheds monthly, usually in sync with your menstrual cycle, usually causing pain. If the tissue has formed on organs that were not removed during a partial or total hysterectomy, it is possible to develop endometriosis.

Can Endometriosis Be Treated Naturally?

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs cannot cure or eliminate endometriosis, but they are natural ways to ease endometriosis pain. These practices, especially when used together, help balance hormones and the flow of qi and blood. Stimulation of qi also lowers overall pain receptors/sensations by increasing endorphins, bringing relief to the pain caused by this condition.

Can Acupuncture Help Endometriosis?

Acupuncture can be a very effective way to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms associated with endometriosis, such as pain, heavy blood flow during periods, and fertility issues. While many patients find great relief and benefits, acupuncture cannot eliminate endometriosis altogether. However, acupuncture and Chinese herb formulas may limit the proliferation of endometriosis. Treatments can also help the healing process if a surgery was performed in response to endometriosis.

How Often Should I Get Acupuncture for Endometriosis?

Every person is unique, including their response to acupuncture treatments. We will gather a comprehensive medical history and ask you questions about what you are experiencing to create a custom treatment plan. Results can vary based on a number of factors, however, most patients see results after receiving weekly treatments for 3-6 months.

Can Chinese Medicine Treat Endometriosis?

Chinese medicine, especially when combined with acupuncture treatments, can help reduce the symptoms of endometriosis. Chinese herb formulas balance qi, blood, yin, and yang of the body which restores balance to the entire body. They also lower overall pain receptors/sensations by increasing endorphins helping to reduce pain.

How to Treat Endometriosis with Herbs

Our herbalists first take a detailed medical history before recommending any herbs or herb formulas. To be truly effective, herbs must be personalized for your particular situation, based on a proper diagnosis. We will work with you and answer any questions you have about your condition and/or your treatment plan.

What To Expect

You can expect to find a partner in your health journey.

At Transformational Acupuncture, we strive to provide a welcoming environment to each and every patient. We understand traditional healthcare can make some wary of seeking help, even if it’s for the betterment of their health. That’s why we take a holistic approach when treating each person. You will be listened to, treated with respect, and be seen as a true partner in your own health journey.

At the beginning of your treatment you’ll be asked some basic questions so we can establish a good baseline. From there we’ll discuss your specific needs and issues. After hearing from you, we’ll create a holistic plan that is designed to help you live the balanced, healthy life you deserve.

Your Patient Journey

At the beginning of your treatment, you’ll be asked some basic questions so we can establish a good baseline. From there we will discuss your specific needs and issues. After hearing from you, we will create a holistic plan that is designed to help you live the balanced, healthy life you deserve.

Learn more about your complete patient journey.

Get Started Today

Begin your holistic health journey by scheduling an appointment today. Schedule online or give us a call at (202) 297-7404.

To learn if your insurance covers acupuncture and other treatments, please fill out our short form to verify your benefits with us.

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