13 Natural Endometriosis Treatments

Endometriosis is conventionally treated with pain medications, hormonal therapies, and surgery. However, some people may prefer a natural endometriosis treatment that either complements a prescribed treatment or manages the symptoms of endometriosis on its own. These include supplements, herbs, changes in diet, and alternative practices like acupuncture.

Though the evidence supporting these remedies is generally lacking, some studies suggest that they can help ease the pain and symptoms attributed to a disease caused by the overgrowth of the lining of the uterus (endometrium)outside of the uterus.

This article looks at 12 natural treatments for endometriosis, including some of the evidence supporting their use.

Isoflavones

Isoflavones are a group of plant-based compounds that may help ease symptoms of endometriosis by blocking an enzyme known as aromatase. Aromatase is used by the body to convert androgens (male hormones) to estrogen. Estrogen, in turn, regulates the growth of the endometrium and contributes to endometriosis when hormones are imbalanced.

Rich sources of isoflavones include:

• Celery
• Parsley
• Soybeans
• Chickpeas
• Fava beans
• Pistachios
• Peanuts
  

A similar organic compound called indoles may also counter the effects of estrogen. It is found in foods like:

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Kale
• Brussels sprouts
• Bok choi

Omega-3 and Polyunsaturated Fats

Some experts believe that cutting back on saturated fats found in animal products may help lower the risk or severity of endometriosis. Saturated fats are associated with increased inflammation that may add to the stress already placed on inflamed endometrial tissues.

By contrast, eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids and foods rich in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) can ease endometriosis pain. Both omega-3s and PUFAs are thought to have potent anti-inflammatory effects.

A large study involving 70,709 females in the United States reported that the high intake of these "healthy" fats and a reduction of saturated fats reduced the risk of endometriosis.

Omega-3s can be found in fatty fish such as:

• Salmon
• Mackerel
• Sardines
• Anchovies
• Herrings
• Tuna

Rich sources of PUFAs include:

• Fish and shellfish
• Nuts and seeds
• Soybeans, including tofu
• Plant-based oils like canola and olive oil

Wild Yam Cream

Progesterone cream made from the Mexican wild yam may help slow or prevent the overgrowth of the endometrium in people with endometriosis. It is thought to do so by blocking the formation of new blood vessels in the endometrium (a process called angiogenesis). This, in turn, slows or stops the invasion of endometrial tissues outside of the uterus.

The yam's root and bulb contain a plant-based steroid called diosgenin that is bioidentical to the female hormone progesterone.

The cream is sold from drug compounding pharmacies and some drugstores. The medication can be applied to the upper chest, wrists, or inner arms or thighs.

Possible side effects include:

• Mood swings
• Depression
• Fluid retention and weight gain
• Heavy bleeding between periods

Chamomile

Chamomile has long been used as an herbal aid to calm the body and mind. These same effects may help ease endometrial pain and cramps. Chamomile contains a compound known as chrysin that a 2019 study found causes apoptosis (programmed cell death) in endometrial tissues that have grown out of control.

The researchers noted that chrysin found in chamomile and other substances like honey may one day lead to the development of novel drugs for endometriosis.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics are "good" bacteria and yeast that keep the natural biome of your vagina and digestive tract in balance. Prebiotics are foods that promote the growth of probiotics.

People with endometriosis often have an imbalance of microorganisms which probiotics and prebiotics may help correct.

You can get probiotics through dietary supplements or fermented foods like:

• Yogurt
• Pickles
• Kombucha
• Tempeh
• Kimchi
• Miso
• Keffir

Prebiotic foods include:

• Bananas
• Oats
• Apples
• Asparagus
• Leeks
• Onions
• Garlic

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a compound mainly found in berries, nuts, and grape skins. It may help ease endometriosis symptoms by blocking aromatase and enzymes called COX-2 that cause swelling and pain.

Several small studies have reported that resveratrol supplements can help reduce pelvic pain and cramps associated with endometriosis. Doses of 30 milligrams (mg) per day reduced pain scores during and between periods by 82%.

Rich sources of resveratrol include:

• Grapes
• Wine and grape juice
• Peanuts and peanut butter
• Cocoa
• Blueberries
• Cranberries
• Strawberries
• Pistachios
• Dark chocolate
  

Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. It contains a chemical called curcumin that may help reduce endometrial swelling and pain.

Lab studies in 2018 reported that curcumin was able to slow endometrial cell growth by keeping the body from making estradiol. Estradiol is the most potent of the three types of estrogen produced in the human body.

Green Tea

Green tea is also thought to block aromatase and impede angiogenesis. The bioactive compound responsible for this is called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).

Several animal studies suggest that EGCG is able to stop the progression of endometriosis and reduce pain and cramping.

A 2021 review in the journal Nutrient similarly found that EGCG slows the growth and spread of endometrial lesions. A review in the same journal reported a reduction in endometrial pain.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the insertion of small needles in the skin to treat pain and other health problems. A 2017 review of studies published in PLoS One found that acupuncture may help ease pelvic and abdomen pain and shrink lesion size in women with endometriosis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2018 also found that among the approaches studied, only acupuncture notably reduced pain.

CBD Oil

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil derived from the cannabis (marijuana) plant is thought to have many health benefits. While several studies investigating the use of oral cannabis for endometriosis have shown positive results, there is less research devoted to CBD oil.

Animal studies have reported that CBD oil has anti-inflammatory effects that may ease endometrial pain. It also has anti-angiogenesis effects that are similar to wild yams and resveratrol.

Common side effects of CBD oil include:

• Change in appetite
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Diarrhea

Further research in humans is needed.

Osteopathic Therapy

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is an alternative form of massage. It involves the hands-on manipulation of different body structures to normalize their functions.

OMT for endometriosis is typically centered around the pelvis. It employs massage to gently release uterine scar tissues (called adhesions) while easing anxiety and stress that can heighten pain sensations.

A 2017 review in the International Journal of Women's Health concluded that the benefits of OMT for endometriosis were unproven but acknowledged that it did appear to ease tension and bolster the quality of life of those who used it.

Chinese Herbs

Herbal formulas are often used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat uterine health issues like endometriosis. TCM cites blood stasis as the cause of this medical condition. According to practitioners, lesions form when blood slows or pools in the abdomen.

A review of studies published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that Chinese herbs fared well when compared to two prescription drugs commonly used to treat endometriosis, Dimetrose (gestrinone) and Danocrine (danazol).

Whether taken by mouth or delivered by enema, the herbs proved equally effective in relieving endometriosis pain but with fewer side effects than Dimetrose or Danocrine. Even so, the studies were small and of relatively low quality, according to the investigators.

Light Exercise

Arguably, one of the most effective treatments for endometriosis is light exercise. Physical exercise appears to help by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and easing pelvic adhesions. It can also elevate moods and relieve fatigue which contributes to depression and increased pain sensitivity.

Light to moderate exercise may be more appropriate as high-intensity workouts can add to pelvic inflammation and pain.

There is no prescribed workout plan for endometriosis, but many experts recommend adhering to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines for exercises suitable for sedentary women.

According to the ACOG guidelines, aerobic exercise can consist of any activities that use large muscle groups in a continuous, rhythmic manner, such as brisk walking, hiking, jogging, swimming, cycling, rowing, or dancing. Around 30 minutes of exercise per day on most days of the week is recommended.

Summary

For some people, standard treatments may not be enough to manage endometriosis symptoms. In cases like these, natural therapies may help. These include options such as routine exercise, nutritional supplements, probiotics and prebiotics, Chinese herbs, progesterone cream, and foods rich in isoflavones or resveratrol.

Although these and other natural treatments may help ease endometriosis pain, they need to be used with caution and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Endometriosis Doctor Discussion Guide

Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider's appointment to help you ask the right questions.

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