Natural Remedies for Endometriosis Pain Relief

Key takeaways

• Endometriosis pain is typically the result of the inflammation occurring from endometriotic lesions.
• Natural pain relief remedies for people with endometriosis aim to reduce inflammation and relax the pelvic area. They include heat application, acupuncture, and bodywork like massage. 
• Natural remedies are unsuitable for everyone; some do not have solid clinical studies to prove their efficacy. 
• Consult with your healthcare professional about any alternative remedies you want to try out.

Endometriosis affects 10% of the female population. This medical condition is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus, i.e., the lining of the inner layer of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterine cavity. It usually affects people in their 30s and 40s.

The most common symptoms of endometriosis are chronic pain, typically seen as low back pain, menstrual pain, pain during sexual intercourse, leg pain, or pain during excretion. There are some other symptoms that may include menstrual bleeding irregularities and gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease that can be very painful because some of the symptoms are severe. Although painful, there are no known treatments. The management of endometriosis is usually conservative (suppressing the signs and symptoms). However, some natural remedies can also be used to reduce symptoms effectively.

10 natural remedies that can relieve endometriosis pain

Endometriosis can be managed through natural remedies, which are:

• Physical therapies
• Dietary management

Physical therapies relieve pain through muscle relaxation and by releasing the body's natural pain-reducing chemicals. On the other hand, dietary management relies on foods to eat and those to avoid to reduce inflammation resulting from endometriosis.

Physical therapy

Some natural physical therapies that can help relieve endometriosis pain include:

1. Heat application

Applying heat to an inflamed or painful area can help relax the muscles and increase blood flow to that area. The increased blood circulation supplies more oxygen and nutrients to the affected area, reducing discomfort and promoting healing. It also reduces pain by activating heat-shock channels that can block or interrupt pain receptors.

You can use heat pads, hot water bottles, warm baths, or visiting saunas for heat application. 

To protect against skin burns while applying heat pads and hot water bottles, it is recommended that you use a towel as a barrier between your skin and the pad/bottle.

2. Acupuncture

One of the therapy approaches to pain lasting many years in the category of alternative therapy is acupuncture, which was commonly applied in Asian countries. Recently, some other countries have started using this technique because of its effectiveness in treating low back pain, headaches, menstrual pain, and other types of pain.

During acupuncture, thin needles are inserted into the skin at specific points called ‘acupoints'. Endorphins (the body's natural painkillers) and "feel-good hormones" like serotonin are released, reducing pain.

This procedure is performed by practitioners specializing in acupuncture. It is considered safe and, when performed right, could be highly satisfactory with minimal to no side effects.

3. Massage therapy

Massage therapy is a technique in which soft tissues (skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments) are gently pressed or rubbed with light or deep pressure. Pelvic massage helps to improve blood flow to the pelvic region, resulting in pelvic muscle relaxation and reducing scar tissue formation associated with endometriosis.

Massage therapy provides short- and long-term relief from pain and muscle spasms. Research has shown that pelvic massage therapy can be a good method to decrease pain caused by endometriosis.

4. Yoga

Yoga is a mindful practice that helps reduce stress, tension, and body pain while enhancing blood circulation. It also calms the mind by promoting relaxation. 

In 2023, a study examined the effectiveness of yoga practice among people with endometriosis. Eight weeks of yoga practice showed significant reductions in both pain and stress levels.

5. Light exercise

Regular exercise helps in reducing pain associated with endometriosis as it improves blood circulation and relaxes the muscles.

In addition, light exercise may also increase anti-inflammatory and antioxidant markers and reduce estrogen levels in the body, emphasizing the importance of light exercise in managing endometriosis symptoms.

Dietary management for endometriosis

Dietary management of endometriosis involves using some natural herbs and foods to soothe endometriosis symptoms. Some of them include:

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is a rich source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory effects because of its active ingredient, curcumin. Curcumin regulates the growth of endometriotic tissues and may reduce inflammation in endometriosis by decreasing the estrogen level in the body.

Turmeric as a tea or spice in meals can help reduce endometriosis in women.

2. Ginger

Ginger is a herb widely used in traditional medicine. It can be taken in daily meals or as ginger tea. It decreases inflammation and increases immunity. It can also reduce nausea and vomiting, which are common symptoms of endometriosis in some people.

3. Chamomile

Chamomile contains chrysin as an active ingredient, which, like ginger and turmeric, reduces inflammation and endometriotic cell growth.

In addition, it contains antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress (a process that develops from an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, resulting in scar tissue formation and inflammation) in people with endometriosis.

4. Isoflavones

Isoflavones are natural substances obtained from plants that act in the same way as estrogen. They are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and contain a specific antioxidant called phytoestrogen. 

The use of isoflavones for treating endometriosis symptoms is still controversial because of its structural similarity to estrogen, thereby worsening endometriosis symptoms. However,  the truth is that it has varying effects on the body depending on the body's natural estrogen levels.

When estrogen levels are high, isoflavones show anti-estrogenic effects by blocking estrogen activity in the body. Conversely, when estrogen levels are low, they imitate estrogen's role in the body.

In endometriosis, the estrogen levels are usually high, so phytoestrogen is beneficial for them. Isoflavones are found in soy and its products (soybean, tofu, etc.), legumes (lentils, beans, peas, red clover), cabbage, sprouts, grains, fruits, and vegetables. However, it is richest in soy and legumes.

5. Limiting or avoiding pro-inflammatory foods

Inflammation associated with endometriosis can contribute to some of the symptoms people with endometriosis experience. To manage these symptoms, it is essential to avoid foods that initiate inflammation and eat more food with anti-inflammatory properties.

Avoiding foods rich in red meat, trans- and saturated fatty acids, caffeine, and alcohol can help reduce endometriosis symptoms. Instead, eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants can help manage these symptoms better.

Can you cure endometriosis naturally?

Natural remedies for endometriosis are alternative treatments that can help manage your symptoms without relying on traditional drugs. However, it is important to note that there's currently no known cure for endometriosis.

Can endometriosis go on its own?

Endometriosis usually does not go away on its own. However, research has shown that symptoms might lessen during pregnancy, menopause, and after menopause, because the level of estrogen is low during these times.  

When to seek medical help

It is worth noting that the management of endometriosis is not one-size-fits-all, as one strategy that works for one may not work for another. Before using these natural remedies, speak to your doctor to determine which one might be effective for you.

However, if your symptoms are still severe after a few weeks of these complementary treatments, consider visiting your doctor for a review.