Introduction

Endometriosis is a chronic illness that affects girls and women of reproductive age. Endometriosis causes various symptoms that can be difficult to treat. Unfortunately, there is no cure for endometriosis, so treatment varies from person to person. Today, I will share my top 7 tips for treating endometriosis.

Support Group or Friend

First, opening up to anyone about your endometriosis diagnosis and symptoms can be difficult. Whether you’re talking to a doctor, partner, or friend, it can seem daunting and traumatizing to talk about your pain. 

Being an Endo Warrior can be so challenging. Never should you feel alone or unrelatable. Having someone in your corner that can empathize with you will do wonders for your overall well-being. Find a supportive friend or speak with someone who also has the disease. Together you can vent, cry, make recommendations or suggestions, and support one another. 

Document Your Symptoms

Documenting your symptoms allows you to provide accurate details to your provider. Furthermore, it also allows you to see if certain foods or activities trigger a flare-up. 

You can use a period app, journal, or keep notes on your phone. Keep track of your pain, symptoms, and even emotions. I use an app called Flutter. 

Experiment With Different Treatment Methods

Unfortunately, there is no cure for endometriosis. Everyone with endometriosis does not experience the same symptoms. Providers will typically prescribe birth control to manage symptoms as the first treatment option. 

Although there is no cure, there are holistic remedies one can try to manage symptoms. For example, drink raspberry leaf tea to reduce uterine cramps or change your diet to reduce the amount of inflammation in your body. 

Rest

Rest is an essential tip. Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects the entire body. The pain associated with endometriosis can be debilitating. Therefore, you need to find time to rest. 

Rest takes many forms. You don’t have to lay in bed to be at rest. Do something you enjoy. Go for a walk, get a pedicure, or maybe get a massage. Self-care is the epitome of rest. Take time for yourself to regroup and recharge. Endometriosis takes a toll on your entire body daily. You are entitled to rest and don’t ever feel guilty about it.

Have a gynecologist with endometriosis knowledge & experience treating the condition

Honestly, having an experienced endometriosis provider is just as essential as getting rest! You must seek a provider experienced in treating endometriosis and knowledgeable and comfortable with the disease. 

Endometriosis is a common disease, but many people have never heard of it, including some medical providers. Please stay away from providers with no, or minimum, experience treating endometriosis. Also, reframe from a provider that’s ignorant of the disease. 

When searching for a provider, verify they have experience with both ablation and excision surgery. Your provider should be comfortable performing both. In the end, not having a competent and experienced provider will cause more stress and delay effective treatment.

Cannabis for Endometriosis Treatment

Cannabis is a powerful plant that can alleviate a plethora of symptoms. One can utilize THC or CBD, but today we will be referring solely to THC. 

Cannabis use comes in multiple forms. For endometriosis, I suggest three consumption ways: 

• Smoking: smoking cannabis is the quickest way to alleviate symptoms. Smoking cannabis is fast and effective because when the smoke is inhaled, it travels to the brain’s nervous system. Then the THC properties are released throughout the bloodstream for instant relief. For me, smoking is the quickest way to alleviate nausea or eliminate a headache. 
• Edibles/Capsules: Consuming THC is, in my opinion, the best option for endometriosis treatment. Oral consumption of THC processes in the body like any other food you eat. Edibles are the best option for endometriosis because the effects of THC are felt throughout the entire body. Moreover, its effects last longer than smoking. Consuming edibles can last up to eight hours versus smoking which lasts an hour or two. That is eight hours of pain relief. Therefore, allowing one to complete tasks without having any endometriosis symptoms. 
• Topicals: THC topicals are lotions, oils, or creams that can be applied directly to the skin to reduce pain. Similarilarly to lotion, topicals are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream; topicals alleviate localized pain. You can apply a THC topical to your body to rid pains or aches. 

Remember that you are a warrior

Wherever you are in your endometriosis journey, whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with the condition for years, you fight a debilitating disease daily. Your strength is admirable. Your courage is impressive; your ability to conduct life while in pain makes you the definition of a warrior.

Endometriosis Treatment

Overall, endometriosis treatment varies depending on the individual. Experimenting with different remedy options allows for maximum effort in effectively managing symptoms. Since there is no cure for endometriosis, it is wise to find a treatment option that works best for you. 

If you seek more guidance and a safe space to speak to discuss your endometriosis. Visit the Black Women Feel Pain Too Facebook support group for more information.