What is endometriosis? Endometriosis is defined as a complex, full body inflammatory condition driven by immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation. 

To better understand this, here's some context:

Endometriosis tissue is similar to that of the endometrial lining. However, it grows outside of the uterus and depending on the individual, it can be found near the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, the bladder, on the bowel, and in some cases, on the lungs. It can be tied to genetics, blood sugar problems, compromised gut health, estrogen dominance, and mitochondrial anomalies. While endometriosis research is still limited, there is growing interest around endometriosis and the relationship to immune dysfunction and bacterial toxins. The immune connection explained: Endometriosis tissue that is present in body creates chronic inflammation. Why? Because there is an increasing amount of immune cells produced by the body in an effort to clear the “invader." Simply put, the immune system goes on high alert because it does not recognize the tissue - and in an effort to manage this, it mounts quite a response. 

Unfortunately, despite the body’s best efforts to protect itself, the tissue can’t be cleared like this. This results in a chronic and maladaptive immune response. And, the immune system becomes progressively more dysfunctional in this environment. 

When the gut barrier is compromised, bacterial contamination also plays a role. And with poor circulation and detoxification problems likely already present, these issues together can further complicate the condition.

What should you do if you suspect endometriosis?

The most important thing is to get a good care team together. This can look like a combination of an OBGYN or primary care doctor, an herbalist and acupuncturist, a functional medicine doctor or nutritionist, and a reproductive mental health expert. While it is difficult to diagnose without a laparoscopy, there are some non-invasive tests available that may help inform a well-trained practitioner on how to approach your care. If you're already working with a reproductive endocrinologist, you can speak to them about the ReceptivaDx test as well. This tests looks at BCL6 which is a marker associated with endometriosis. Note that this will require an endometrial biopsy. There are also vaginal microbiome tests that may detect whether a specific bacteria, common in those with endometriosis, is present.

You can also speak to your reproductive endocrinologist or licensed medical professional about laparoscopic surgery, which is currently considered the gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis. Make sure you understand any risks of the procedure and whether laparoscopic surgery is right for you.

How can I support my body in the meantime?

There are very complex and cyclical immune and chemical processes at play when it comes to both the development and progression of endometriosis. That is why working with a licensed medical professional should be your first step.

To best support your body, talk to your care team about how to improve gut health and the microbiome, increase movement for circulation, support detoxification and liver health, and manage blood sugar. Eliminating environmental toxins and focusing on nervous system support are also essential.

There are also specific IVF protocols to address endometriosis prior to embryo transfer, so be sure to discuss this with your entire care team once you have a proper diagnosis.

Sources Institute for Menstrual Health, and Katie Edmonds, (F)NTP, “Endometriosis: A Modern Understanding and Approach.”

In 2015, ACOG published a report stating that menstruation should be recognized and understood as a vital sign of overall health. If you're experiencing irregular ovulation or irregular or missing periods, your body may be diverting energy away from the reproductive process in order to attend to another area of your health.

Period irregularities are overt, which is a good reason to listen to them. Often times, cycle irregularities are a clear message to us that something else in the body needs some support. But in order to tune into these messages, we need to first understand what is and isn't optimal when it comes to our cycles.

Here’s what an optimal menstrual cycle looks like:

• 3-7 days of bleeding, but how much bleeding the and quality of your blood matters too.  

• Ovulation that occurs between cycle day 12-21. Remember, ​​a true period must always be preceded by ovulation. 

• A total cycle length of 25-35 days, with a consistent length cycle-to-cycle being the most important

• 11-14 days between your ovulation and start of your next cycle, but pregnancy can occur with shorter luteal phase as well.

• No two cycles are alike, so your own fertility awareness is key.