Endometriosis is an abnormal growth of endometrial tissue (which should be on the uterine wall) outside the uterine cavity. This disease can cause pain, discomfort, bleeding, and emotional distress. So, at first it may be difficult to overcome. Always seek professional medical help first. After the doctor determines the appropriate medication, you can continue the treatment steps at home.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Using Traditional and Alternative Medicine
Step 1. Use over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
The most disturbing symptom of endometriosis is pain and cramping around the abdomen and pelvis. Fortunately, you can relieve this pain using NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and aspirin. These drugs are suitable for relieving menstrual cramps.
- If your pain symptoms get worse during your period, consider taking an NSAID about 24 hours before the expected start of your period.
- Consult your doctor to find out the best NSAID dose for you. But generally, you can take between 400 and 600 mg of ibuprofen orally every 4-6 hours.
- For naproxen sodium, you should normally take 275 mg of the drug every 6-8 hours, but no more than 1375 mg a day.
- Alternatively, you can try taking aspirin orally 3-4 times a day. Do not use aspirin more than 4 grams. Always consult a doctor before using any medication.
Step 2. Try using paracetamol
NSAIDs are not suitable for use by everyone because they can cause nausea. These drugs may also cause vomiting or even diarrhea. If you experience this, take paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) instead.
The usual dose of paracetamol is 650-1,000 mg every 4-6 hours. Do not take this drug more than 4,000 mg a day. In addition, do not use paracetamol more than the doctor recommends because this drug has a risk of damaging the kidneys if not used properly. Consumption of alcoholic beverages can increase this risk
Step 3. Consider the chasteberry
Chasteberry is an herbal plant that some women use to help control hormones. The main way to relieve endometriosis is to use hormones. So, the hormone-controlling properties of chasteberry may also help.
- Consult a doctor first because this herbal plant must be used for at least one year until the results are felt. On the other hand, chasteberry may interact with other medications, including hormone therapy, as well as Parkinson's disease medications and antipsychotics.
- The standard dose of chasteberry is 400 mg every morning.
Step 4. Consider bromelain
This medication is used to help relieve pain, but it can also interact with other medications. So, always consult your doctor first.
- Try using 40 mg of bromelain every morning, afternoon, and evening.
- Bromelain can also increase the effectiveness of all blood-thinning medications you are taking, potentially causing problems.
Step 5. Talk about iron supplements
If the bleeding is prolonged, you may be at risk for anemia. Ask your doctor if you need to take iron supplements at home to help restore iron levels in the blood.
Method 2 of 4: Using Physical Therapy
Step 1. Consider acupuncture
Although there is limited research on the benefits of acupuncture for endometriosis, this treatment may be able to help with it. The best way to find a good acupuncture therapist is to ask a doctor for a referral.
In some studies, acupuncture is known to help relieve pain in some women and even eliminate all the symptoms of endometriosis in others
Step 2. Take advantage of the heat
When cramping symptoms occur due to endometriosis, heat can help relieve the pain. Try placing a heating pad on your back or stomach. You can also take a warm bath to reduce cramps.
Step 3. Try a sitz bath
Prepare two small tubs filled with water. Use a tub that you can sit in. Some sitz baths can also be placed on the toilet, making them easier to use. Fill hot water and cold water into each tub.
- Sit alternately in both tubs, 3 minutes in hot water and 1 minute in cold water. Switch from one tub to another 3 times. You can do this treatment several times a day.
- Do not use water that is too hot as it can injure your skin.
- Do this treatment twice a day as long as you are not menstruating.
Step 4. Consider therapeutic massage
Massage can help if there is a blockage in the uterus due to endometriosis. Ask your doctor to refer you to a massage therapist.
Method 3 of 4: Coping With Heavy Bleeding
Step 1. Prepare a treatment plan
Heavy bleeding during menstruation is a common symptom of endometriosis. You are recommended to undergo medical treatment. However, apart from that, you can also prepare a menstrual management plan. Whenever possible, avoid tiring and time-consuming events and activities that coincide with your heavy menstrual flow.
Another symptom is bleeding through the pads. So, it is always beneficial to have extra pads ready
Step 2. Drink more water
Be sure to add more salt to your diet during heavy bleeding. Signs you need this are feeling dizzy when you stand up, or if your heart beats too fast or hard after lying down. Drink at least 4 extra cups of water.
You can also try consuming tomato juice or broth, which usually contain added salt
Step 3. Consider combining the use of sanitary napkins
If your menstrual flow is very heavy, you may need to use a combination of products to protect yourself. For example, use a tampon and a pad at the same time to stop heavy bleeding.
- You can also use a menstrual cup instead of a tampon or disposable pad.
- Always have extra pads on hand just in case.
Step 4. Choose pads with high absorbency
If you're using sanitary pads, consider choosing a product that's longer, wider, or higher quality with high absorbency. Winged pads can also prevent your menstrual blood from penetrating.
Method 4 of 4: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Join a support group
Sharing stories with other endometriosis sufferers can be very helpful. Talking about your illness, sharing treatments, and sharing your feelings in a supportive environment will make you feel better.
Ask if your doctor is aware of any support groups nearby
Step 2. Exercise every day
Exercise stimulates the brain to release endorphins and other compounds such as serotonin that will make you feel good. In other words, exercise can help relieve endometriosis pain.
- In addition, exercise can help prevent endometriosis. However, its effect on existing endometriosis is still debated.
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, 5 days a week, or 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week. Examples of aerobic exercise include swimming, running, team sports, or climbing stairs. You should also strength train at least twice a week.
Step 3. Reduce your intake of carbohydrates and refined sugar
Reducing your intake of refined carbohydrates and sugar can relieve symptoms of nausea, flatulence, and fatigue. Most women with endometriosis should increase their iron intake from food (such as beans, legumes, and green leafy vegetables) to replace the iron lost during menstruation. Talk about checking for iron deficiency anemia with your doctor.
Try to eat foods that have anti-inflammatory properties to help control the symptoms of endometriosis. Tomatoes, olive oil, green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, kale, and mustard greens), nuts (almonds and walnuts), fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines), and fruit (strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges) are examples of foods that have anti-inflammatory properties to include in the diet
Step 4. Eat a variety of healthy foods
Keeping your body as healthy as possible will help you control the symptoms of endometriosis more effectively. Try to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat protein.
- If you don't know exactly how to eat healthier, consider making an appointment with a nutritionist. A nutritionist can help you develop the ideal diet menu.
- Also, try to avoid foods that commonly cause allergies. For example, preservatives, corn, and soybeans.
Step 5. Meditate
Meditation can help you deal with pain more effectively. Deep breathing can be very helpful in relieving pain.
- One method of meditation is deep breathing. This technique is done by focusing only on the flow of the breath and ignoring other sensations and thoughts. Close your eyes. Count to four in your mind while inhaling through your nose, hold for a count of four, and count to four again while exhaling. Continue this exercise until you feel relaxed.
- In addition, meditation can also help you relieve stress, thereby relieving the symptoms of endometriosis.
Step 6. Don't forget to visit the doctor
If you suspect you have endometriosis, you should see your doctor first before undergoing any home treatment. Your doctor will diagnose whether you do have endometriosis and help determine the medication you need.
