Natural treatment for endometriosis

Q. I have endometriosis and need some suggestions.

A. With endometriosis - each month a woman's ovaries produce hormones that stimulate the cells of the uterine lining (endometrium) to multiply and prepare for a fertilized egg. The lining swells and gets thicker.

If these cells, called endometrial cells, implant and grow outside the uterus, endometriosis results. Unlike cells normally found in the uterus that fall off during menstruation, the ones outside the uterus stay in place. They sometimes bleed a little bit, but they heal and are stimulated again during the next cycle.

This ongoing process leads to symptoms of endometriosis (pain) and can cause scarring and adhesion of the tubes, ovaries, and surrounding structures in the pelvis.

Research suggests that supplementation with vitamin E (1,200 IU per day) and vitamin C (1,000 mg per day) may relieve the pain. Animal research suggests that fish oils may reduce the severity of endometriosis, and fish oils have been shown to improve symptoms of dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), which may be caused by endometriosis.

Here are some recommendations:

• E400 Emulsified by Genestra - I recommend this because of the mixed tocopherols and the high d-Gamma-E content, has more anti-inflammatory qualities than d-alpha.

• Scorbatate - a nice buffered vitamin C with minerals. It is a powder you mix with water. 1/4 tsp a day.

• Dioscorea Cream - can also be helpful if your progesterone levels are low for balancing hormones. Start using it on day 14 of your cycle.

• Vitalzyme X - can be helpful for removing scar tissue and fibrosis, and can be helpful removing the scaring that forms from endometriosis.