Improving fertility with endometriosis

Bee Propolis May Improve Fertility in Women with Endometriosis

Women with endometriosis who have been unable to get pregnant may have a more successful outcome by taking bee propolis, according to a preliminary study in Fertility and Sterility (2003;80:S32). This is encouraging for the millions of women with endometriosis who are suffering from infertility.

Endometriosis is a disease where cells from the uterine lining become implanted within the pelvic cavity, causing adhesions, menstrual irregularities, painful periods, premenstrual syndrome, and infertility. Other conditions associated with endometriosis include migraine headaches and mitral valve prolapse. The diagnosis can be difficult, since surgery is the only way to accurately identify endometriosis. Studies suggest that 7 to 10% of all women in the United States have endometriosis. It is the third leading cause of gynecological hospitalization and the leading cause of hysterectomy. The cause of endometriosis is unknown, although a genetic link is likely. Surgical excision of the lesions and medications that suppress the production of estrogen and progesterone may provide temporary relief, but neither offers a cure.

In the new preliminary study, 40 women with mild endometriosis and primary infertility (i.e., they had never been pregnant) who had unsuccessfully tried to get pregnant for at least two years were assigned to receive 500 mg twice a day of bee propolis or placebo for nine months. The number of pregnancies was recorded during the treatment period.

Women taking bee propolis had a significantly higher pregnancy rate than those taking the placebo. The number of women who became pregnant in the treatment and placebo groups was 60 and 20%, respectively. No adverse effects were reported by the women taking bee propolis.

Propolis is the resinous substance collected by bees from the leaves and bark of trees, especially poplar and conifer trees. Bees use propolis along with beeswax to construct their hives. Test tube studies, although preliminary, suggest that propolis may have strong anti-inflammatory effects. The pain associated with endometriosis is often due to the body’s inflammatory response to the endometrial lesions in the pelvic wall. Propolis may help decrease this inflammatory reaction, thereby reducing pain. It is unknown how propolis affects fertility.

Several studies suggest that oral propolis is useful in treating the common cold and intestinal parasites. Other studies have shown that topical propolis helps against genital herpes, cold sores, dental caries, periodontal disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire.

http://www.bastyrcenter.org/content/view/623/

Natural Remedies for Endometriosis By Cathy Wong, About.com Guide Updated July 23, 2007

Signs and Symptoms of Endometriosis

• Painful periods. Pelvic pain and cramping during menstruation. It may begin before and continue for several days after the onset of your monthly period. The pain can also occur in the lower abdomen or low back. It has even been known to cause shooting nerve pain in the legs, called sciatica.
• Sharp, deep pain during ovulation, sexual intercourse, bowel movements, and/or urination
• Heavy menstrual periods or bleeding in between periods
• Fatigue
• Indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea
• Infertility. Endometriosis can cause adhesions that trap the egg.

Natural Treatments for Endometriosis

If you are experiencing painful periods or pelvic pain, it's important to see your doctor to get a proper diagnosis. Here are eight natural treatments that are used for endometriosis.

1) Reduce Chemical Intake

Although earlier studies in women were conflicting, there is increasing evidence that chronic exposure to the environmental chemicals dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is associated with an increased prevalence and severity of endometriosis.

One way to reduce intake of these chemicals is to cut back on animal fat, especially high-fat dairy, red meat, and fish. Dioxin and PCBs both accumulate in animal fat, and it is our main route of exposure.

Interestingly, studies on diet and endometriosis also support this link. For example, an Italian study examined data from 504 women with endometriosis and found an increased risk with a high intake of red meat and ham. Fresh fruit and vegetables were associated with a reduction in risk. 

2) Vegetables and Flaxseeds

There is evidence that a group of plant chemicals called flavones can inhibit aromatase, the enzyme that converts androgens to estrogens. Good food sources of flavones are celery and parsley.

Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy, contain compounds called indoles, which appear to improve estrogen metabolism.

Flaxseeds are high in lignans and fiber, which have been found to be beneficial for estrogen-related conditions.

3) Progesterone Cream

Alternative practitioners sometimes recommend progesterone cream. Progesterone is thought to slow the growth of abnormal endometrial tissue. Although it's not considered a cure, it may improve symptoms such as pain during menstrual periods and pelvic pain. There haven't been any studies on progesterone cream for endometriosis, so we don't know for certain about it's effectiveness or safety.

Progesterone cream is derived from either soy or Mexican wild yam. A molecule called diosgenin is extracted in a lab and converted to a molecule that's exactly like human progesterone and added to back to the cream. Some companies sell wild yam cream, but unless it has been converted in a lab it is useless, because the body can't convert wild yam to progesterone on its own.

Natural progesterone cream is applied to the wrists, inner arms, inner thighs, or upper chest at a dose and schedule that should be recommended by a professional. It's important to be supervised and to have progesterone levels monitored on lab tests, because too much progesterone can cause such side effects as mood changes, depression, water retention, weight gain, and absent or abnormal menstrual bleeding.

Natural progesterone cream is available from a compounding pharmacy (the website www.iacprx.org has listings) or at regular drug stores.

4) Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies. They are also available in fish oil capsules, which may be the preferable form because good brands contain minimal amounts of PCBs and dioxins.

Several studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for people with endometriosis. For example, an animal study by the University of Western Ontario found that fish oil containing two specific compounds, EPA and DHA, can relieve pain by decreasing levels of an inflammatory chemical called prostaglandin E2. Researchers also found that fish oil could slow the growth of endometrial tissue.

Factors That May Cause the Uterus to Function Improperly

The uterus is constantly working to provide us with the best and first home for our developing baby. Because the menstrual cycle is a complex symphony of communication and actions, anything that disrupts the function of the communication or physical make-up of our reproductive system may cause the uterus to not function properly.

Sedentary Lifestyle
Leading an inactive lifestyle with little to no exercise creates a situation of stagnation of blood flow to our uterus and other reproductive organs. The main artery that supplies blood to our legs also supplies blood to our uterus, ovaries and vagina. If we sit around a lot, especially if we have a desk job, the blood flow to our uterus may be compromised. This is also not a good situation if we have fertility issues pertaining to our uterus, especially if there is scar tissue or adhesions present. Not moving this area of our body enough can contribute to scar tissue and adhesions forming. Doctors going in for surgery in this area of the body have reported scar tissue and adhesions attaching the uterus or ovaries to other areas of the body such as the bladder or other organs. This can be very painful and dangerous.

Sedentary lifestyle also contributes directly to weak muscles of the uterus.

Uterine Fibroids
Uterine Fibroids often form in the layers of the uterus, causing painful periods or dysfunction of the menstural cycle from slight to serious. Some women carry to term with uterine fibroids present, while others struggle with getting the embryo to implant.

Scar Tissue
Scar tissue in the uterus can form for a variety of reasons that lead back to some kind of trauma to the uterus. Some of these reasons include:

* Abortion
* D&C after miscarriage
* Cesarean section
* Intrauterine Device (IUD)
* Abdominal Surgery in the uterus or near by
* Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) caused by Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
* Endometriosis

Endometriosis
Endometriosis is when excess endometrium lining of the uterus that normally grows in preparation for the implanting of the egg begins, does not completely shed during menstruation. It then begins to attach to other places of the body besides the uterus. When menses comes, not only does the lining in the uterus bleed, the endometriosis that has grown in other places of the body also bleeds.

Endometriosis, it's a big deal!

Endometriosis Diet 101: Success Tips On The Endo Diet

Hip and lower back pain: Is it related to endometriosis

I am passed my 6 weeks recovery and apart from little itching at times and burning where the cut is, there is not really any pain in my abdominal region. However, I have been having some serious lower back and hip joint pain on my left side for a few weeks now; so much so that i have to live on pain killers. Although I  had a slight pain and discomfort in these areas prior to the surgery, what I am feeling now is extreme. 

It started 3 days or so after my first lupron shot. I visited my surgeon who suggested it might be a pinched nerve, but referred me to a specialist. The specialist after having me bend and lift my leg etc to diagnose the situation, prescribed some medication and give me a list of stretches I should do and asked me to see him the following week time. I returned with the same complaint telling him that once I am not on the medications, sitting, standing and walking is difficult. He referred me to a physiotherapist who I have been seeing for the last 4 weeks, but I am not seeing the changes. I walked in his office the last time in pain to give him and idea as to what I am like when I am not on painkillers. I deliberately did not take them that day. He was in shocked. He opted to increase the amount of time he is seeing me in a week. The thing is I get temporary relieved but I am still waiting to hear the cause while my financial resources are slowly depleting. 

Yesterday, my repeat medication was finished and again I woke in pain. I wish I can describe it vividly enough. It is like your knees want to buckle and the joint seem to be constricted. It is terrible. So I went to the health centre and I was sent for an x-ray. So i am going to be doing that soon and hear what it is being said. My surgeon is off the island so I am awaiting his return next week to find out if it has anything to do with the endometriosis as I have seen a few articles and blogs where people are saying it may be related. Having done the surgery and being on lupron however, I am not sure what my case is, but keep me in your prayers. If there is anyone out there, who have similar situation, please let me know what it is like for you and what you have been doing about it.

Here is a link about endometriosis and hip pain http://ezinearticles.com/?Understanding-Endometriosis-Hip-Joint-Pain&id=552820

Just to take a quote from it:

"Hip pain or pain that radiates from the buttock and down the leg are common in women where endometriosis has effected the sciatic nerve. Also, endometriosis in the groin area can feel like hip pain.

On occasion endometrial adhesions can restrict the hip ligaments, causing pain and limping. Hip joint pain that worsens in a cyclical fashion in line with the menstrual cycle will usually be caused by endometriosis."

Joanne gets pregnant after endometriosis surgery.mp4

Hey Guys, I watched this video and find it very informative with a great ending. It is a bit long, but it is detailed, even takes you through the surgery and I believe there is much to gain from watching it. Hope you do enjoy and be sure to drop a comment or two on how it has helped you or how you have find it.

Endometriosis - Everything to Know

Life Transforming PCOS Infertility Story

Infertility - Advances in Treatment (Part 1)

PCOS: A story from someone who is dealing with it and the company she is working for

Hello My name is Tabitha and I work for Insulite Labs as a PCOS Angel. I love the company that I work for and the job that I do. Here’s why: 
At Insulite Labs we are not focused on selling the product’s, it’s not about the marketing and the sales it’s all about the Women. The main goal for us is reaching out and getting the word out there that PCOS does exists and that there are ways to reverse some of the side effects that come from it. The PCOS Angels are a group of women who all suffer from PCOS, women who have gone down the hard road of not knowing what was wrong and having doctor after doctor tell them that this pill or that treatment would work, and having none of them help. The pain, the heartbreak,the frustrations, depression, anxiety and other health problems that come from PCOS can tear you down to the point you are ready to give up. 
The PCOS Angels are here to make sure that NO woman ever has to give up, that NO woman has to suffer through the things that we have. We are here to support each and every one of you with whatever issues you have. If you want information on what PCOS is and what the symptoms are , we have that information and will gladly pass it along to you and answer any questions that you might have. We have doctors who are specialized in women’s health that are available to you at any time.(Sometimes it takes 24 hours to respond because they are swamped right now, so please be patient.) The company has put together an amazing formula called the PCOS System. It is an all natural formula that comes in 4 different pill forms. I have been on it for a few months now and love what it is doing for me. You can read My Story on my blog to find out what all I have been through and how it is helping me everyday become the woman that I was before PCOS turned my life upside down. 
If you need an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, or just someone to rant and rave at about what you are experiencing we are here for that. We are working on being the support that you need in all aspects, from weight loss to infertility and everything in between. Each of us has or is going through the same things that you are and have found ways to work through them and get back to being healthy and happy. We want to share this knowledge with you, to lend a helping hand with your battle with PCOS. No matter what your circumstances are one of us will be able to help you through it. 
At Insulite labs we are a big family, we support each other through everything that we are going through, we work together to finds way’s that work the best to bring the happiness back into our lives. We are all dedicated to making sure that each woman out there has a chance at having a family, having strong social skills,has a voice when it comes to her doctors, has the knowledge needed to get the help and treatments that are going to work best for her. 
Thank you for taking the time to read about us and please know that I am available anytime and will answer any comments and questions that you may have. You can reach me at any of the places listed below. May god bless you with health, happiness and the knowledge you need

.Best Wishes, 
Tabitha Norvell
Insuliteangel29@gmail.com
936-232-3142
http://pcosangel.blogspot.com

Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance

World Endometriosis Society's first Awareness film

PCOS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Top 7 Diet Tips For PCOS - The Official Video

More help for women with fibroids, endometriosis and other issues of the uterus

Here is an interesting article I just read written by Dr. Christiane Northrup. It explains and suggest treatment for many of the issues we are facing. Just follow the link below and click on any of the related reading that are of interest to you.

THE SECOND CHAKRA represents your sexuality, creativity, finances, personal power, relationships, sensuality, and pleasure. Organs associated with the Second Chakra include uterus, ovaries, vagina, cervix, large intestine, lower vertebrae, pelvis, appendix, and bladder. Spiritual and emotional issues that can block energy in the Second Chakra are balancing your drives toward sex, money, and relationships; co-creating with others; defining boundaries; and struggling with when to give and take and when to be assertive and passive. Physical dysfunctions that can occur are: lower back pain, sexual impotency, urinary problems, and appendicitis.

RELATED ORGANS

UTERUS, OVARIES, VAGINA, CERVIX, PELVIS, APPENDIX

RELATED READING

	Attracting Money
	Embracing Your Sexuality
	Emotions Around Money
	Endometriosis
	Enhancing Fertility: A Mind/Body Perspective
	Fathers, Daughters, and Dating
	Fertility Awareness
	Fibroids
	Gender Differences
	Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia)
	How Daughters View Relationships
	Menstrual Cramps and Pelvic Pain
	Money & Health
	Premenstrual Syndrome
	Psychological Factors Affecting Fertility
	Sexual Stereotypes
	Spiritual Sex
	Urinary Incontinence
	Urinary Tract Infections
	Uterine Prolapse

http://www.drnorthrup.com/womenshealth/energycenters/2.php

Help for women with fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS etc.

Whenever you have a situation, be it fibroid, endometriosis, PCOS, ovarian cyst etc you always wonder what is working for people and what can work for you. In fact you find yourself trying a lot of things once people says it work
I remembered the first thing that was dealt with by the doctors was my heavy menses...Ponstan Forte. Did it work? Well it reduce the clotting, the pain and even the length of my period and i was glad for that. Recently, someone commented on my blog page about Fibrovan. I dont know much about it but i am sure it is something you can asked your gynae about.

What else did I try? I went to see a herbal doctor and tried some Chinese medicine for about 3 months. It was however too short a period to say if it works. From what I read though, herbal medicine works very slowly and over a long time and they are effective in shrinking small fibroids. I had a fibroid that was 8cm and would have considered to be too big. Here is an interesting article, which speak to fibroid and endometriosis: https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/Treatment+of+Endometriosis+and+Fibroids+with+Acupuncture

If I did not decided to do the surgery I would have continued on the Chinese medicine for longer.

I also bought a book online that is suppose to assist you with fibroid. Hmm!! It did not help much. I guess to avoid being sued the author wrote that you have to follow the information exactly at  it is. The problems with the book is that it is very wordy, some of the information are things I knew from just googling information and finally and most importantly, what you ought to follow is too complex. For me I was more frustrated then than before and it felt like a waste of money. My warning: there are many things on the internet on what to try and what can help and in our quests for answers we have to be careful that we are not being scamed.

REQUEST: I am asking persons to respond to this blog by stating what they have been trying for their fibroid, endometriosis, heavy menses, ovarian cysts, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome etc. Please write what the doctors advise you to try and say if it has help in anyway. Your comments will go a long way in supporting other women.

What are you eating?

When i found out I had fibroid, I went on a reading rampage. As a researcher, I took pleasure in finding out all I can about fibroid and reading many different blogs. One of the many things that interest me was diet- what am I eating? I remembered i came to Jamaica in 2005 for undergraduate studies with my flat tummy, no more of my mom pot food. What changed? My diet changed tremendously. This is in no way stating a cause for uterus problems but simply a factor that may contribute to it. Learn from my experience.

As a student cooking is not at the top of your list, at least not in between classes. Weekends might be the only time you cook  up yourself something. Another thing is around exam time you find yourself eating a lot of junk because you get hungry quickly all in the night. I fill myself up with a lot of Jamaican patti and coco bread, KFC, ice cream, caffeine, sodas, FRENCH FRIES etc etc. Some persons might not be students, but WATCH WHAT YOU ARE EATING FOR A MOMENT. Drinking alcohol regular, smoking, hate vegetables, not a big fan of water but Pepsi and coco cola and other sodas is it...am I talking to you? You eat out. How much of these food are organic? These days some of the the chicken contain  so much hormones. I often wonder how the young girls in today's generation mature so fast. I asked myself could it be what we eat? Pork and red meat sweet, but again you will read that they all contribute to our issues. It is not for me to say STOP eating this or that, but I will advise that you eat whatever in moderation and if you are desperate for health then eventually you will cut it all out.

It wasn't easy for me. Today I get through drinking 8 glasses of water and might keep it up for 3 days, but then I am back to my old self, no water for sometime days but I pack up on sodas. I started by giving up the things that I felt were easier...namely some snacks, caffiene, beef. I was able to give those up totally without feeling much of a desire for them. Then I minimize the sodas, slowly replace it with juice and then with cranberry water and then water. I love any vegetables from as far as I can remember so it was easy eating those, but the CHICKEN...woosh. Not an easy one. I started to cut down on the amount of pieces on my plate and how often I had it in a week. Then I moved towards just the gravy, which is where I am at now. I can tell you though from the beginning of this year I have been meat free and soya products free, I only have fish...I drink almond milk, soda free, caffeine free and many more. I am not where I want to be but I am well on my way to a healthier life style. The exercise is off and on but i intend to maintain it.

At the end of reading this, you should know these things. What you eat is extremely important, but changing your diet is not easy. It is a battle between what taste good and what is good. You would need to strengthen your minds by reflecting on your situation and your goal and your dreams. You will also need to seek comfort and encouragement in reading other persons blog, knowing that they are trying as hard to. What work for me also is thinking of famous singers and models whose main goal for working out and eat right is their job. They are NOT SICK, have NO HEALTH ISSUES. Yet they stick with it. Yes they have professionals to assist but at the end of the day, they themselves must WILL it. The professionals just aid. Have a blessed day.

Paying Attention to your body

I am 13days or so post surgery. Yesterday I took my first lucrin (popularly called lupron) shot to prevent the endometrioisis from coming back. Apparently this injection puts your body in a menopausal state and so you experience hot flashes etc. So far i am good, no hot flashes, but its just one day passed. Ill keep you updated. Today, I dont feel as fatigue, but i have been having some back pain on my lower left side that is especially excruciating if i stand to quickly. Generally though, it is a good day.

While going through my ordeal, I remembered that different doctors asked me different questions. Many of them wanted to develop a medical history of me. I remembered being unable to remember certain things and could simply say I was not sure. What was interesting though is when they asked about my heavy menses? My response was for years I had at least two heavy days but I thought it was normal. It is important that we pay attention to our bodies. More importantly, it is important we take nothing for granted. Many persons have been recognizing  changes with their body, but PRETEND they are not there and go on living with a condition that what be corrected easier if its deal with early and the reason why? Scared!!!  It is OK to be scared but it doesn't make the issue go away.

In today's world, majority of ladies like myself focused on their education and career. It means that having children early was not an option, but that doesn't mean you do not want and when you are mentally and financially ready, you really don't want to have complications. In addition, you don't want to be forced into having children. So what do we have to do? PAY ATTENTION TO OUR BODIES. Things to look out for:

• Extremely heavy and painful menses so much so that you are on prescription medications or you find yourself increasing the strength of the medication
• Clots in your menses
• Mid cycle pain- this happens around your ovulation. It feels as if you having cramps. It can be normal but the intensity might means something
• Higher than normal tummy 
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Pain radiating down any leg
• Period lasting longer than normal. Some persons period go passed 5 days up to all 13 days
• Irregular periods. You have your period this month and then its gone, you don't know when again. This might be a wonderful experience, all of us needs a break sometime, but that can never be normal.

This list is not exhausted and does not in anyway replaces what the doctors would say. If however you are paying attention to your body when you visit the doctor, there are many things you can tell them you are noticing.