A Holistic Health Approach to Endometriosis

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis and uterine fibroids are among the most common and most undertreated conditions in women’s reproductive health. Despite affecting millions of women, both are frequently dismissed, misdiagnosed, or managed with approaches that address symptoms rather than causes. Most women will develop fibroids in their lifetime. However, they are not always large enough to cause an issue or any pain/discomfort. Fibroids impact 26 women annually and can range in size from a pea to a melon. One of the complexities of fibroids is the variation in size as well as the multitude of symptoms that come along with them, such as irregular periods, heavy bleeding, blood clots, anemia, pelvic and back pain, the appearance of pregnancy, pain with sex, GI distress/discomfort, cramping, impacting quality of life and desire or ability to go out and do things/work. Depending on the size of your fibroids as well as your symptoms, there are many options for treatment. A great deal of relief and healing can come from nutritional interventions, supplementation, and acupuncture.

Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths of the uterus that affect up to 70 - 80% of women by age 50. While some remain small and symptomless, others can significantly disrupt daily life.

Symptoms may include:

  • Heavy, prolonged, or irregular periods

  • Blood clots or anemia

  • Pelvic or lower back pain

  • Abdominal distension (“looking pregnant”)

  • Pain during intercourse

  • Constipation, bloating, or urinary frequency

  • Fatigue and reduced quality of life

Fibroids can range in size - from a tiny seed to the size of a melon - and their impact often depends on their number, location, and growth rate.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, or bladder. It is an estrogen-driven inflammatory condition that can be incredibly painful and emotionally taxing.

Common symptoms include:

  • Severe menstrual cramps

  • Pain with sex, urination, or bowel movements

  • GI symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, or constipation (often mistaken for IBS)

  • Infertility or difficulty conceiving

  • Chronic fatigue

Unfortunately, endometriosis often takes years to diagnose, and conventional treatment options like hormonal birth control or surgery don’t always address the root cause.

Our Holistic Approach

At Dr. Lana Wellness, we look beyond symptom suppression and focus on rebalancing the body from within, addressing the hormonal, inflammatory, and detoxification imbalances that drive them, rather than simply masking the symptoms.

Our individualized care plans may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory nutrition to reduce pain and hormonal triggers

  • Targeted supplementation to support hormone detoxification and reduce estrogen dominance

  • Acupuncture to calm inflammation, ease pain, and regulate the menstrual cycle

  • Functional testing to assess hormone levels, nutrient status, and gut health

Environmental detox strategies to reduce exposure to xenoestrogens (e.g., plastics, personal care products)

Addressing Endometriosis Holistically…

Endometriosis can disrupt your life if left untreated, and while it has no exact cure, its symptoms can be managed. Seeing a naturopath for endometriosis helps many women address their symptoms naturally and holistically.

For some more extreme cases, treatment of endometriosis can also include gynecologic surgery, but as a naturopath for endometriosis, Dr. Lana’s holistic approach to managing endometriosis symptoms focuses on includes optimizing your diet and lifestyle, as well as supplementation, acupuncture, and botanical medicine to address endometriosis without surgery. Her recommendations may include:

Diet: Foods high in dietary fiber are associated with a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut flora, playing a significant role in breaking down estrogen and reducing inflammation.

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Acupuncture has been shown to greatly help those who suffer from endometriosis, along with many other health benefits. 

Hormone balancing can help your body regulate the monthly hormonal changes that promote the tissue growth that causes endometriosis and can sometimes relieve pain and stop the progression of the condition. This can be done through a combination of lifestyle adjustments, supplementation, and botanical medicine.

For some more extreme cases, treatment of endometriosis can also include gynecologic surgery.

Endometriosis Signs & Symptoms

The primary symptom of endometriosis is severe pelvic pain, often during menstrual periods. Although cramping during menstrual periods can be common and normal, those with endometriosis typically experience menstrual pain that's far worse than usual. Other frequent signs and symptoms of endometriosis include:

The extent of endometriosis is not always indicated by the amount of pain experienced. It’s possible to have mild endometriosis with severe pain, advanced endometriosis with little or no pain, and not exhibit symptoms at all. It’s important to keep up with regular gynecological exams, which will allow your gynecologist to monitor any changes.

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Causes of Endometriosis

The exact cause of endometriosis is not known, and although there are several theories about what causes this painful condition, no single theory has been scientifically proven. One of the most common theories is that endometriosis is linked to a process called retrograde menstruation, which occurs when menstrual blood flows back through your fallopian tubes into your pelvic cavity instead of leaving your body through the vagina. Endometriosis is also much more common when a close relative also has the disorder, so there may be a genetic link that influences endometriosis. 

Effects of Endometriosis on Fertility

One of the main complications of endometriosis is impaired fertility. Approximately one-third to one-half of women with endometriosis have difficulty getting pregnant. Endometriosis may obstruct the fallopian tube and prevent the egg and sperm from uniting and in turn, fertilizing. The condition may also damage the sperm or egg. Even so, many with mild to moderate endometriosis can still conceive and carry a pregnancy to term, though doctors sometimes advise those with endometriosis not to delay having children due to the possibility of the condition worsening over time.

Will I always have this pain?

Every individual is different, but the symptoms of endometriosis usually improve after menopause. As the body stops making estrogen, the growths slowly shrink. However, endometriosis symptoms can be managed through natural, holistic methods. The sooner you seek help, the sooner Dr. Lana can help to alleviate your symptoms.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • For many women, yes—especially when caught earlier or when surgery has been performed and the goal is to prevent recurrence. Naturopathic care focuses on reducing the estrogen-driven inflammation that feeds endometriosis tissue growth, supporting liver detoxification of excess estrogen, calming the immune response, and managing pain through targeted nutrition, supplementation, and acupuncture.

  • An anti-inflammatory, plant-rich diet is associated with reduced fibroid growth. Foods high in fiber support estrogen clearance via the gut. Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale) contain DIM, a compound that supports healthy estrogen metabolism. Avoiding red meat, alcohol, and high-sugar foods may also help, as these can increase estrogen levels and inflammation.

  • No. Uterine fibroids are almost always benign (non-cancerous) growths. Their significance depends on size, location, and whether they're causing symptoms. Many women have fibroids without knowing it—but when they cause pain, heavy bleeding, or other disruptions, they deserve proper attention and support.

  • On average, endometriosis takes 7–10 years to diagnose in the United States. Many women are told their pain is normal, or are given the pill without proper investigation. We work alongside your gynecologist to advocate for appropriate diagnostic evaluation while simultaneously supporting your body's inflammatory and hormonal balance.

  • Yes. Acupuncture is well-studied for pelvic pain management. It can reduce prostaglandin-driven cramping, calm the nervous system, improve pelvic blood flow, and support the body's anti-inflammatory response. Many of our patients experience significant pain reduction with regular acupuncture alongside dietary and supplement protocols.