Natural ways to ease a painful condition

ENDOMETRIOSIS is a complex disorder of the female reproductive tract that affects 10 to 15 per cent of all pre-menopausal women. It occurs when endometrial cells, which form the lining of the uterus, migrate to other areas of the body such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder and rectum.

Louise Redknapp Louise Redknapp []

There may be no symptoms or a combination of several such as severe pain during periods, ovulation or sex; irregular or heavy bleeding; discomfort in the bowel or bladder; as well as depression, fatigue and migraines. Some women with endometriosis may also experience infertility or problems conceiving. Tv presenter Louise Redknapp has been a sufferer

Keyhole laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, is the only method available to diagnose endometriosis accurately. Treatment typically requires further laparoscopy to remove or burn off these patches of endometriosis. Women may also be prescribed the Pill or other forms of synthetic hormone treatment.

A hysterectomy, removing both the uterus and ovaries, is perhaps the most extreme treatment for endometriosis.

Yet alongside medical options a healthy diet and smarter lifestyle choices may help ease the condition. Research shows that women who eat green vegetables twice a day are 70 per cent less likely to have endometriosis than those who eat green vegetables less than once a day.

saturated fats found in red meat can trigger swelling and pain associated with endometrial cramps and the spread of endometrial tissue

Bright and colourful vegetables are known to boost the immune system and dark green leafy vegetables contain substances to protect against oestrogen-related diseases such as endometriosis. Cabbage, broccoli, kale and brussels sprouts are particularly good. If you cannot buy fresh vegetables, frozen have more nutrients than tinned.


A recent study has shown women who ate beef or other red meat seven times a week were more prone to endometriosis than women who ate red meat three times a week or less.

Instead, try eating oily fish such as mackerel, fresh tuna, sardines and salmon three times a week as their essential, non-saturated oils reduce inflammation.

Meanwhile if the digestive system (where all nutrients are broken down and prepared for absorption into the bloodstream) is not working well hormone production can become erratic.

Stress may inhibit the effective breakdown of food and the absorption of nutrients, as can low amounts of beneficial bacteria. A probiotic supplement can boost the enzymes needed to break down excess oestrogen, the hormone that encourages endometriosis to grow.

Lastly, sleep is vital for cellular repair and too little makes it harder to handle mental and environmental stresses. If you are having problems falling or staying asleep try clearing your room of mess and have a relaxing bath with sedative essential oils such as lavender or neroli.

Adopt the habit of going to bed at a regular time and eat at least three hours before retiring. Keep fresh air circulating through the bedroom and try relaxation techniques such as meditation or visualisation.

• To order Take Control Of Your Endometriosis by Henrietta Norton (Kyle Books, £10.99) with free UK delivery call 0871 988 8367 (10p/min from BT landlines) with your card details or send a cheque payable to Express Newspapers to: The Express Bookshop, PO Box 200, Falmouth TR11 4WJ or order via

Extract by Emily Lauffer