Relieving Endometriosis – Sarah’s Journey

Through the testimony of Sarah, 23, who suffers from endometriosis, she tells us about her journey and the solutions she found to ease her symptoms.

When were you diagnosed with endometriosis, and how has it affected your life since?

I was diagnosed with endometriosis in January/February 2023. This diagnosis didn't have a big impact on my life but rather on my lifestyle. I've been doing cardiac coherence since January to reduce stress, but I've mainly changed my diet because I noticed that it helped me alleviate the symptoms. So, I opted for an anti-inflammatory diet which consists of reducing my consumption of gluten and dairy products.

Can you tell us about your initial symptoms that led you to suspect you might have endometriosis?

I was mostly affected by painful stomach aches, but not to the point of writhing in pain, it wasn't disabling. These stomach aches lasted 1 or 2 days at the beginning of my period. I also noticed that during times of stress, the stomach ache was worse.

How were you diagnosed? What were the challenges in getting an accurate diagnosis?

I first went to see a Chinese medicine practitioner, I told him about my stomach pains and he advised me to have an ultrasound. I then consulted my general practitioner who informed me that it could be endometriosis or Crohn's disease. To find out, I had a CT scan and an examination which revealed a cyst on the ovary. So I went to the gynecologist, I had an MRI and the verdict was in. I had endometriosis. The diagnosis was quite quick because I had it in 3 weeks.

What treatments have you tried to relieve the symptoms of endometriosis? How did these treatments work for you?

Initially, my gynecologist suggested I take a contraceptive pill that helps with endometriosis. I took it for 3 weeks, but my body couldn't tolerate it at all. I had constant PMS with bleeding, mood swings, irritability, and sadness. So I stopped taking it after 3 weeks and decided to take a different approach.

Two months after stopping the pill, I made an appointment with a naturopath who specializes in female cycles. She gave me advice on stress management and diet, favoring an anti-inflammatory diet. She also directed me to take food supplements such as NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine) known for its antioxidant properties, probiotics and glutamine to work on the intestinal microbiota . I also take Feel Good Duo to help me with stress management and discomfort.

What were your experiences with healthcare professionals during your journey with endometriosis?

I didn't have too many difficulties getting diagnosed. However, during my consultation with a first gynecologist, he directed me to take the contraceptive pill to reduce my symptoms. After a change of gynecologist, the latter did not consider it necessary to prescribe the pill as long as the pain was not debilitating.

How do you manage the pain and symptoms of endometriosis on a daily basis?

An anti-inflammatory diet and supplements help me manage the pain. During the second half of my cycle, I take Lady's Mantle, which helps rebalance the estrogen-progesterone balance through its progesterone-like action. In case of stomach aches, I also use a hot water bottle to soothe the pain.

I exercise, which is highly recommended for endometriosis, and I have also stopped drinking coffee and alcohol.

I also try to avoid endocrine disruptors as much as possible. I don't use damaged pans, plastic utensils, or plastic Tupperware... For cleaning, I opt for natural products like white vinegar, black soap, or baking soda. When choosing my cosmetics, I also make sure they don't contain endocrine disruptors by using apps that analyze the composition of beauty products, like Inci Beauty.

What advice would you give to other girls or women who have recently been diagnosed with endometriosis?

Every case of endometriosis is different, so it's important to surround yourself with the right healthcare professionals and not hesitate to ask for a second opinion. You also need to listen to yourself based on what your body needs.

What are your hopes for the future regarding endometriosis research and treatment?

Endometriosis is increasingly being discussed, particularly regarding antibiotic treatment that could relieve symptoms. The future is therefore very promising in terms of research and solutions for this disease.

There are several ways to relieve endometriosis. There is traditional treatment with the contraceptive pill if necessary, especially if the pain is too disabling. It is also possible to turn to alternative medicine such as acupuncture, Chinese medicine, sophrology, electrotherapy (to relieve pain), osteopathy, etc.

Every woman can find what works for her to reduce her symptoms. The most important thing is to always remain hopeful.