Endometriosis - Patient Education

ENDOMETRIOSIS:\n- Current meds:\n- Surgery: \n- Pathology: *\n- Excision is best approach if possible, with 5-10% recurrence. New lesions can form - rate not quotable.\n- Treatments include medical therapies (hormonal suppression with contraceptives, Lupron, Danazol; supplements with off-label uses like N-acetylcysteine and Low Dose Naltrexone).\n- N-acetylcysteine 600mg tablets: Take 1 tablet by mouth 3x/day for 4 days each week\n- LDN is off-label use of naltrexone (FDA approved for heroin/alcohol addiction). Can help increase beta-endorphin levels (decreasing PMS symptoms) and treat autoimmune diseases (endometriosis, Hashimoto's, etc.). Review http://www.ldnresearchtrust.org.\n- Endometriosis releases toxins affecting reproductive function and increasing miscarriage risk. Can also cause scarring.\n- Dietary modifications to anti-inflammatory diets can significantly affect perceived symptoms but likely won't remove endometriosis.\n- Recommend anti-inflammatory diet to decrease inflammation-associated pain.\n- Supplements for pain and heavy bleeding: 500mg magnesium glycinate daily & 500mg Red Raspberry Leaf tablets 3x/day on days of menses\n- Pain may be due to other causes: pelvic floor dysfunction, bladder problems (interstitial cystitis), bowel issues (IBD, IBS), nerve problems, others. Occasionally pelvic floor physical therapy may be beneficial.