Can Endometriosis Go Away? Exploring Treatment Options
Can endometriosis go away? This is a crucial question for many affected by this chronic condition. And yes, endometriosis can sometimes regress, both symptoms and lesions! However, just knowing lesions can regress isn't necessarily helpful for each of our own (very unique) cases. We need to know the mechanics behind it!
That's why I want to help you better understand how endometriosis behaves, how it can regress in size and symptoms (or, yes, progress), and various treatment options, both natural and medical, to help manage and potentially alleviate endometriosis.
Key Takeaways
Endometriosis is a chronic condition characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, causing severe pain in some, infertility in others, and impacting every system of the body, from the urinary and digestive systems to mental health and more.
While there is no definitive cure for endometriosis, some of us may experience regression of symptoms and/or lesions. This is hopeful! However, health interventions (either medical, holistic, or anything in between) is often necessary for effective management, and natural regression may not be possible for some of us (depending on the type of endo). Remember, this is nuanced.
Treatment options to "make endometriosis go away" may include medical therapies, surgical procedures, and complementary therapies, each aiming to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Understanding Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. These endometriotic lesions, often mistaken for the uterine lining, respond to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, leading to bleeding, inflammation, and pain. This condition can affect various pelvic organs, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and even, in rare cases, the lungs or brain.
The complexity of developing endometriosis lies in its unpredictable nature; while some individuals who have been diagnosed experience severe symptoms, others may remain asymptomatic. The depth and placement of our own unique endometriosis growths contribute to the overall severity of the condition, depending on wher we have endometriosis tissue or the size of ovarian cysts.
The progressive nature of endometriosis can lead to the growth and spread of lesions, also associated with scar tissue and adhesions (that may exacerbate symptoms). This progression often leaves individuals feeling hopeless, especially when told there’s no cure. Yet, stories of women with endometriosis who have managed to live symptom-free offer a beacon of hope.
So, can endometriosis go away? The answer is nuanced and varies from person to person.
Can Endometriosis Go Away Naturally?
One of the most pressing questions for those diagnosed with endometriosis is whether the condition can resolve on its own. For this topic, we need to break it down into two different issues: disease and symptoms. These are totally different topics (yet obviously related) because:
a) You can have active endometriosis lesions with no symptoms, or minimal endometriosis with many symptoms. And, to regain quality of life, you want symptoms to go away.
b) You also want lesions to stop being active, to stabilize, or to regress in order to preserve organ health and fertility. However, this process may be disconnected from symptoms (for example, maybe your endometriosis isn't progressing, which is great, but you have lots of terrible symptoms).
Put together, these two issues are essential to both tease apart and address simultaneously.
Can Endometriosis Lesions Go Away Naturally?
As I describe in-depth in my book, studies (on humans!) show that endometriosis lesions can either progress, stabiliaze, or regress. This means that lesions aren't static or only progressive: they can get worse or get better.
One review found while 29% of endometriosis cases showed progression, 42% exhibited disease regression, and 29% remained stable. 71% stabilized or regressed. [1]
Nearly 6% of women getting their tubes tied had asymptomatic endometriosis, which was established but not progressing. If we estimate 10% have endometriosis, and 5% were asymptomatic, we could estimate 60% stabilized/non-problematic. [2]
A study followed women with moderate or severe (deep infiltrating) endometriosis nearly 2 years. Results showed that 37% experienced further nodule development or growth, 13% saw a reduction in nodule number or size, and 50% remained unchanged. 63% stabilized or regressed. [3]
Another study by Fedele et al. tracked untreated asymptomatic deep infiltrating rectovaginal endometriosis patients for 1 to 9 years. Only 2% developed symptoms related to endometriosis, 5% saw lesion growth without symptoms, and 93% showed no clinical changes. [4]
Collectively, these studies suggest that endometriosis stabilization or regression rates range from 63% to 93%, while progression rates range from 7% to 37%. That is hopeful.
To note, none of these studies looked at the specifics of why the endometriosis regressed in some of these people and not others. These studies were simply looking at behavior.
Can Endometriosis Symptoms Go Away Naturally?
This is so much easier to answer because it's something we can measure much more easily, and the answer is a resounding YES! Many women put their worst endometriosis symptoms into remission with natural therapies, such as diet, lifestyle, and integrative therapies (like getting rid of a SIBO infection, gut infections, etc.). There are numerous studies on just how going gluten-free, dairy-free, or regulating the nervous system can reduce symptoms.
So yes, for some of us, symptoms of endometriosis can disipate naturally.
How Can Endometriosis Go Away? Understanding Salugenesis
If you're surprised that lesions and symptoms are able to improve or regress on their own (for some of us), don't be. It's human physiology at it's core... the human body heals itself.
Get a cut? Your body will mend the tissue together, re-grow new cells, and heal on up. Naturally.
Get a sprained ankle? Your body will inflame the tissue and then slowly repair it back to normal. Naturally.
Have abnormal endometriosis (or cancer) cells? That's fine, your immune system should clean them up as part of it's process. Naturally.
This may be why very active microscopic endometriosis lesions have been documented in healthy women, which seem to appear and disappear without progressing to cause pain or damage. That’s right, their bodily processes (correctly functioning) address them promptly before they become an issue. [5]
Similarly, research has shown that while up to 10% of fetuses may be born with endo-like cells in the deep cul-de-sac tissue, less than 4% develop endometriosis here. This means something happened to prevent active endo in 60% of those patients.[6]
This makes a little more sense when we understand where endometriosis comes from: our own bodies! Endometriosis cells are not made from aliens, witches, or a lab in Wuhan that randomly placed these cells inside of you. These are yourcells, just epigenetically and genetically altered to behave differently (aggressively in some cases), and living in a place they absolutely should not be. The fact that endometriosis is you means it’s actually misbehaving bodily processes that got you into this mess in the first place (not aliens or lab leaks).
It's also the same (correctly behaving) bodily processes that interact with endometriosis lesions to reduce their size or volume. It's part of their job when everything is working correctly.
This process of everything working correctly to manage chronic illness (and heal) has a name: salugenesis. Instead of pathogenesis, the creation and progression of disease, it describes the many healing factors that go into "reminding" the body to do what it's naturally supposed to do. Heal.
Salugens can be anything that promotes the healing of tissues and cells. Getting rid of a chronic bacterial or viral trigger is salugenic; removing chemical or toxin exposure, reversing essential nutrient deficiencies, regulating the nervous system and increasing vagal tone, sleeping well, adaptogens, and physical therapy can all be salugenic. Surgical removal of endometriosis lesions is salugenic--so no, this isn't just "natural remedies". Everything I write about in Heal Endo can be deemed salugenic. [Also, why it’s important not to get caught up on one single healing modality alone, like diet! There are so many factors at play here, my friends.]
That’s because, in a very generalist view, endometriosis regression lies in the ability of your cells to heal, a sophisticated process of immune factors, nervous system communication, hormone communication, safety from damaging triggers, and more for tissues to mend. By understanding the inputs that support whole body healing, we can do our best to stack the deck in our favor.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies to Support Salugenesis and endometriosis
Alternative and complementary therapies are a first line of support for helping re-wire body processes. That's not to say they are the only factor; believe me, I deeply believe in medical interventions with endometriosis when needed! Rather, giving the body what it needs to function correctly is the foundation of salugenesis. Without this, the inflammation and immune dysfunction will continue.
And, what we see in research is promising! Here is a list of holistic factors I quickly pulled from my book (all citations are in there if you're curious) that we could consider when better understanding healing from a disease like endometriosis:
Microbial Health and Dysbiosis
Antibiotic treatment in animal studies (mice) demonstrated lesions shrinking to one-fifth their size and reducing their proliferative capability.
Supplementation with butyrate (a gut-healing nutrient) led to fewer and smaller endo lesions in animal models, demonstrating the gut-endometriosis connection.
Phytonutrients and Antioxidants
Resveratrol (found in grapes, blueberries, etc.) decreased the quantity, size, and/or volume of endometriosis lesions significantly (one study saw a 60% reduction).
Curcumin (active compound in turmeric) suppressed the spread of endometriotic cells by reducing inflammatory estrogen forms and endometriosis-related inflammation.
Pycnogenol (pine bark extract) reduced severe endometriosis pain and inflammation, contributing indirectly to lesion behavior improvements.
EGCG (Green Tea Extract) significantly inhibited the development of endometriosis lesions through anti-angiogenic effects (preventing new blood vessel formation), resulting in lesion regression.
Silymarin (Milk Thistle) demonstrated anti-angiogenesis effects and increased endometrial cell death.
Glycosylated flavonoids (found in sweet clover and lettuce) significantly reduced endometriotic lesions and pelvic inflammation.
Quercetin (in onions, apple skins, etc.) slowed endometriosis proliferation, increased endo-cell death, and raised antioxidant activity.
Vitamins C and E
Supplementation with Vitamins C and E significantly decreased inflammatory markers and reduced chronic pelvic pain in women with endometriosis; Vitamin C specifically reduced endometriosis lesion volume significantly compared to placebo.
Stress Reduction and Hormonal Balance
Eliminating stress hormones may prevent endometriosis recurrence and support lesion regression.
Western Medicine Salugens: Medical Treatments for Endometriosis
Helping a body remember how to heal is essential through offering the right ingredients (nutrition, sleep, movement) and removing triggers (SIBO, dysbiosis, underlying infections, etc). Yet, some of us may need surgical intervention to truly get rid of our endo, both lesions and symptoms. Truly, medical treatments may be essential for some of us, and nothing to be smirked at no matter how hippie you are :)
Medical treatments for endometriosis can to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Pain relief is often the first line of treatment, with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) being commonly prescribed and, when used wisely and not too often, helpful. Hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills, IUD, and progesterone, may be able to help stabilize or shrink endometriotic implants and/or lessen symptoms. Truly, treating endometriosis effectively requires a comprehensive approach.
Surgical Options for Endometriosis
Of course allowing the body to heal is all well and good when it can! But, for some (if not many of us) we may need a lot more support. This is where excision surgery comes in handy!
Surgical options such as a gold standard excision surgery with an expert is an essential consideration for some of us to help our "endometriosis to go away." With a surgeons expertise, they can remove lesions, scar tissue, adhesions, cysts, and more. Not only can this alleviate symptoms, but it can (obviously) help progression and prevent disease recurrence. Surgical treatment aims to preserve the uterus and ovaries, which can be beneficial for those wishing to conceive.
Surgical intervention can significantly reduce pelvic pain and improve quality of life. However, the success of surgery depends on the skill of the surgeon and the extent of the disease. It’s essential to seek a specialist experienced in endometriosis excision to achieve the best outcomes.
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus, is considered a last resort for severe endometriosis cases. This procedure may also involve the removal of the cervix and fallopian tubes. While hysterectomy can provide relief from endometriosis symptoms, it is not a guaranteed cure, especially if endometriosis lesions remain in other areas of the body.
Truly, your gynocologist may unnecessarily recommend a hysterectomy to treat endometriosis! If this is your case (like mine) please seek a second opinion with an endometriosis expert.
Women undergoing hysterectomy may experience early menopause if their ovaries are also removed, leading to additional considerations such as hormone replacement therapy. The decision to undergo a hysterectomy should be made collaboratively with an experienced endo healthcare provider, considering all potential risks and benefits.
An Overview: Treatment options to consider for endometriosis
Medical salugens are important too!
Early diagnosis should be mandatory, not optional, since this sets the stage for healing before more complexities arise. Preventing progression is crucial to preserve fertility and avoid irreversible tissue damage.
Eradicating underlying infections such as SIBO, dysbiotic patterns, or reproductive tract dysbiosis.
Considering the use of oral contraceptives or other hormonal medications to help
So while this is a bit of a high level post (sorry!), I hope it brings hope and a newfound understanding of how endometriosis behaves. I believe hope is a necessary ingredient to maintain in our fight back to good health, and understanding that endometriosis is not always progressive is a great place to start.
Impact of Untreated Endometriosis
Leaving endometriosis untreated can lead to severe and worsening symptoms and disease (lesion progression) that significantly impact daily life. Chronic inflammation can result in the formation of scar tissue, adhesions, and cysts, further complicating the condition. Endometriosis is now recognized as a systemic disease, affecting various aspects of physical and mental health.
The psychological impact of untreated endometriosis is profound. Chronic pain and fertility issues can lead to anxiety and depression, diminishing overall quality of life. Recognizing the importance of timely and effective treatment is crucial for managing this complex condition.
Chronic Pain and Infertility
Chronic pain is a persistent and challenging symptom of untreated endometriosis pain, including chronic pelvic pain. The pain can be severe and debilitating, affecting daily activities and overall well-being. Infertility is another significant concern, as endometriosis can interfere with the movement of sperm and eggs, hindering conception.
Fertility treatment, including medication and in vitro fertilization, is available for infertile women struggling to conceive due to endometriosis. Consulting with a reproductive endocrinologist can provide personalized treatment options to improve the chances to achieve pregnancy.
Quality of Life
Living with untreated endometriosis can severely impact the quality of life. Endometriosis affects chronic pain and persistent symptoms that can make daily activities challenging and exhausting for people with endometriosis. The emotional toll of managing a chronic condition can lead to feelings of isolation and depression, further diminishing overall well-being. Endometriosis affect many aspects of life, making it crucial to seek proper treatment.
Addressing endometriosis through effective treatment options is essential for improving quality of life. By managing symptoms and reducing pain, individuals can identify endometriosis, regain control over their lives, and find relief from the constant burden of endometriosis.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
The symptoms of endometriosis can vary widely, but some are more common than others. Here are the hallmark symptoms:
Pelvic pain, often described as severe and debilitating
Painful periods or menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), characterized by intense cramps and heavy menstrual bleeding during the menstrual period
Pain during intercourse or with orgasm
Pain during urination
Pain during bowel movements
Endometriosis related pain
Abdominal pain
Other painful symptoms, such as joint pain, migrains, muscle pain, and more.
These other symptoms can further impact daily life.
Beyond the physical symptoms, endometriosis takes a toll on mental health. Chronic pain and fertility issues can lead to anxiety and depression, significantly affecting emotional well-being. The persistent pain and discomfort can disrupt social life and professional commitments, leading to a diminished quality of life. For many, managing these symptoms becomes a daily struggle, underscoring the need for effective endometriosis treatment.
Causes and Risk Factors
There is no "exact cause" of endometriosis because it is widely recognized as a multifactorial and heterogenous condition. Multifactorial means that many factors go into developing this complex inflammatory disease, and heterogenous means there are many different types (up to 65, as I talk about in my book).
When you put this together, you can understand that different factors contribute to the development of different types of endometriosis in different people! This is important because it also means that addressing your endo specifics may differ from another endo-warriors journey.
Genetic predisposition all play a significant role; those with a family history of endometriosis are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Environmental factors, such as exposure to certain factors like endocrine disrupting chemicals, household toxins, herbicides, and pesticides, can also contribute to the onset and progression of endometriosis.
Inflammation and immune system dysfunction are critical in the development of endometriosis. Chronic stress, poor nutrition, and gut dysbiosis can exacerbate symptoms and promote the growth of endometriotic tissue outside the uterus. Understanding these risk factors can help in developing personalized treatment plans and preventative measures for those at risk.
Summary
Endometriosis is a complex and multifaceted condition that requires a comprehensive approach to management. From understanding the symptoms and causes to exploring various treatment options, this guide has aimed to provide a roadmap for those navigating this challenging journey. While endometriosis may not have a definitive cure, there are numerous ways to manage and alleviate symptoms effectively!
By taking a holistic approach that includes medical treatments, surgical options, and alternative therapies, individuals can find relief and improve their quality of life. It’s essential to work with healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses individual needs and circumstances. Remember, there is hope, and with the right support and strategies, living well with endometriosis is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can endometriosis go away on its own?
Endometriosis may occasionally regress on its own; however, effective management of symptoms typically necessitates medical or surgical intervention.
What are the common symptoms of endometriosis?
Common symptoms of endometriosis include pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during intercourse, and heavy menstrual bleeding. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and management.
What causes endometriosis?
Endometriosis is primarily caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune factors. Understanding these influences can aid in effectively addressing the condition.
Are there natural ways to manage endometriosis symptoms?
Indeed, managing endometriosis symptoms can be effectively achieved through diet and lifestyle modifications, alongside complementary therapies such as traditional Chinese medicine. Adopting these natural approaches may provide significant relief.
What are the surgical options for treating endometriosis?
Surgical options for treating endometriosis primarily involve conservative surgeries to excise endometrial tissue and, when necessary, a hysterectomy in more severe cases. This approach aims to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
In health,
Katie
The information provided on Heal Endo is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
1) Evers, J.L.H. (2013). Is adolescent endometriosis a progressive disease that needs to be diagnosed and treated? Human Reproduction, 28(8), 2023. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/det298
2) To note, because of the normalization of pain, it’s possible these women had symptoms to some degree but considered it normal. Fuentes, A, Escalona, J, Céspedes, P, Espinoza, A, Johnson, MC. (2014). Prevalencia de la endometriosis en mujeres sometidas a esterilización quirúrgica laparoscópica en un hospital de Santiago de Chile [Prevalence of endometriosis in 287 women undergoing surgical sterilization in Santiago Chile]. Rev Med Chil, 142(1), 16-19. Spanish. https://doi.org/10.4067/S0034-98872014000100003
3) Knez J, Bean E, Nijjar S, Tellum T, Chaggar P, Jurkovic D. Natural progression of deep pelvic endometriosis in women who opt for expectant management. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2023 May 15. doi: 10.1111/aogs.14491.
4) Fedele L, Bianchi S, Zanconato G, Raffaelli R, Berlanda N. Is rectovaginal endometriosis a progressive disease? Am J Obstet Gynecol 2004b, 191:1539-1542. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2004.06.104. PMID: 15547522
5) Koninckx, P. R., Donnez, J., & Brosens, I. (2016). Microscopic endometriosis: impact on our understanding of the disease and its surgery. Fertility and Sterility, 105(2), 305–306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.10.038
6) Signorile, P. G., Baldi, F., Bussani, R., D'Armiento, M., De Falco, M., & Baldi, A. (2009). Ectopic endometrium in human foetuses is a common event and sustains the theory of müllerianosis in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, a disease that predisposes to cancer. Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research: CR, 28(1), 49. https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-9966-28-49; Koninckx, P. R., & Martin, D. C. (1992). Deep endometriosis: a consequence of infiltration or retraction or possibly adenomyosis externa?. Fertility and Sterility, 58(5), 924–928. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0015-0282(16)55436-3; Martin DC; Koninckx PR; Batt RE; Smith R. “Deep endometriosis” in Minaguchi, H; Sugimoto, O (eds). Endometriosis Today: Advances in Research and Practice. Lancaster, Parthenon Publishing Group. pp. 50-57, 1997
7) Naviaux R. K. (2023). Mitochondrial and metabolic features of salugenesis and the healing cycle. Mitochondrion, 70, 131–163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mito.2023.04.003