Endometriosis in Ayurvedic Perspective

Introduction:

The lining of the uterus is called the endometrium. Endometriosis is a condition that causes disturbance in daily activities, characterized by a tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing outside the uterus in other parts like the abdomen and pelvic floor. This results in a painful and heavy menstrual cycle and causes fertility issues.

What Does Endometriosis Mean?

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus called the endometrium grows outside the uterus in other parts such as the abdomen, ovaries, or on the floor of the pelvic region. When these tissues grow in different places, it causes discomfort and pain and interferes with daily activity. It also causes problems in getting pregnant.

The endometrium is a lining of the uterus shed during each menstrual cycle. During pregnancy this endometrium helps in the initial stage of pregnancy. The endometrial lining that grows outside the uterus is called an endometrial implant. This is caused due to the hormonal imbalance during the menstrual cycle, which causes misplaced endometrial tissues, resulting in inflamed and painful areas. These tissues grow, get thickened, and break down, as there is no place for the broken tissue to get disposed of; it gets accumulated in the pelvic region, causing ovarian cysts, superficial lesions, deeper nodules, adhesions, and scar tissue.

Few Regions Where Endometrial Tissue Can Develop:

1. Outside the uterus.

2. Fallopian tubes.

3. Ovaries.

4. Vagina.

5. Peritoneum.

6. Bladder and uterus.

7. Rectum.

8. Diaphragm.

What Symptoms Cause Endometriosis?

There are many symptoms of endometriosis that vary from person to person. The main and most common symptom is pain. But with the degree of pain, a person can not determine the severity of the condition. A person may have a mild form of the disease but experience severe pain, whereas some may have a severe disease condition yet have no symptoms.

Some of the Common Symptoms Are:

1. Painful menstrual cramps.

2. Abdominal and back pain during the menstrual cycle.

3. Painful sex.

4. Excessive bleeding during the menstrual cycle.

5. Infertility.

6. Painful bowel movements.

What Are the Causes of Endometriosis?

The cause of endometriosis is generally unknown. Endometriosis is characterized by the growth of the uterus lining outside the uterus in different parts like fallopian tubes, ovaries, intestines, and pelvic regions, which causes pain. It leads to fibrosis and inflammation, and adhesion (scar tissues). These scar tissues form new connections with the organ leading to discomfort and pain.

Is Endometriosis a Genetic Disease?

Even though the cause of the disease is unknown, it has a genetic connection where there are chances of inheriting from the family if the mother, sister, or grandmother were affected by endometriosis.

What Is the Diagnosis of Endometriosis?

1) Diagnosis of endometriosis is based on the symptoms given by the patients. Some common symptoms that help with the diagnosis are

• Painful and heavy menstrual cycle.

• Medical history.

• Family history.

• About any previous pregnancies.

2) A pelvic examination is performed.

3) Ultrasound imaging of the pelvic region.

4) Depending on the symptoms and ultrasound imaging, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) should be taken.

How Is Endometriosis Treated?

The treatment of endometriosis depends on a few factors, such as

• Age of the patient.

• The severity of the endometriosis condition.

• Plans of pregnancies.

• The severity of the symptoms.

The primary treatment plan is based on managing pain and improving fertility. These can be treated through medications and surgery. Treatment usually includes painkillers and hormonal therapy.

Hormonal Options Include

1) Birth Control:

There are various methods of hormonal control options, such as estrogen and progesterone or progesterone only. These are available in various forms, such as

• Oral birth control pills.

• Patch.

• Vaginal rings.

• Birth control shots.

• IUD (Intrauterine contraceptive device).

These help with a less painful menstrual cycle, and those people who plan for pregnancy should avoid these methods.

2) Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Medications:

These medications prevent the hormones from causing the menstrual cycle. This puts on hold of the reproductive system to relieve pain. GnRH is taken as an oral pill, a shot, or a nasal spray.

• Danazol:

This is another hormonal medication that prevents the production of hormones responsible for the menstrual cycle.

Should not take all these medications if the person is planning for pregnancy. All the symptoms relapse if the medication is stopped or followed properly. In very few cases, surgery is recommended where it helps to relieve pain and, to a greater extent, helps with fertility issues. Medications along with surgery are a better option recommended by doctors.

3) Surgical Procedures:

• Laparoscopy:

During this procedure, a small cut is made in the abdomen, and a thin tube called laparoscopy is inserted into the body. With a high-definition camera, endometriosis is identified, which is present inside the body. A 5mm instrument is used for the excision and removal of the lesion.

• Hysterectomy:

In severe cases, removal of the uterus base where the endometriosis and the scar tissue are present is recommended.

What Is the Ayurvedic View of Endometriosis?

As a result of disturbed Vata dosha, retrograde menstruation takes place. Five Vata moves govern the body's movements; these are

• Upward.

• Downward.

• Inward.

• Outward.

• Around.

The most important one is the Apana Vata, which is the downward-moving wind responsible for eliminating impulses such as urination, bowel movements, ejaculation, childbirth, and menstruation. In the case of endometriosis, upward movement occurs instead of downward movements.

What Are the Ayurvedic Treatments of Endometriosis?

Ayurveda treats the condition by eliminating the underlying cause. In the case of endometriosis, there are four main aspects:

• Balancing Vata:

Cold food and drinks should be avoided; instead, warm food should be taken. Nourishing foods should be preferred over light foods. Smooth over rough always helps in balancing Vata. Moist should be preferred over oily to balance Vata.

• Balancing Pitta:

Food that is fresh, whole, cooling, hearty, energizing, dry, and high in carbohydrates should be taken. These foods help to reduce internal heat, balance the digestion system, ground the body, and help absorb excess liquid and oil, in turn, helps to balance pitta.

• Strengthening Agni:

Food that is bitter, sweet, and astringent tastes can help balance the digestive system. Drinks like cooling mint, green tea, and dandelion tea help to detox and balance the digestive fire.

• Eliminating AMA:

Having seasonal fruits and vegetables as they encounter environmental triggers the ama formation. Oily and fried food is to be avoided. Heavy foods and caffeine should be retained before bedtime. A naturally healthy diet should be taken to balance digestion and metabolism.

Of all, calming the Apana Vata is the most important treatment. Along with these, dietary and lifestyle changes are recommended. Cultivating calmness and steadiness in mind is the key which is helped by Ayurvedic psychology and mindfulness techniques. Some ayurvedic herbal remedies help reduce pain and break any blockage, inflammation, heavy bleeding, and accumulation of endometrial tissues outside the uterus. A very strong, effective, and natural treatment involves ayurvedic cleansing and rejuvenation techniques, including

1) Virechan:

It focuses on removing excessive pitta dosha by purgation triggered by drugs; it is one of the Panchakarma therapies.

2) Basti:

It helps to cleanse the vata area, that is the large intestine. This treatment helps to balance the Vata dosha. It aids in the removal of toxins and waste from the body.

What Are the Complications?

There are many complications related to endometriosis, such as

• Infertility issues.

• Pain associated with bowel movements and blood in the stools or urine.

• Severe endometriosis of ureter.

• Swelling of the kidney.

• Damage of the lungs or diaphragm.

Conclusion:

Endometriosis is a condition that is caused due to growth of the endometrial lying outside the uterus, which causes pain and inflammation where the growth occurs. The growth occurs in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, behind the uterus, or the pelvic floor. It causes excess pain during the menstrual cycle and also causes infertility issues. It can be corrected by medications, and in severe conditions, surgery is required.