Endometriosis and PCOS

These are complex conditions that are often under diagnosed.

Endometriosis has a key characteristic of pain. Once considered a hormonal condition stemming from oestrogen dominance; however it is now viewed as an inflammatory gynaecological disease, associated with immune dysfunction as well as hormonal influence. While often treated with oral contraceptives, herbal and nutritional medicine have in-roads on influencing immune, inflammation and endocrine disruptors. Diet is also a necessary intervention in controlling the inflammatory signalling.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a whole-body endocrine disorder, with multiple symptoms associated with insulin resistance, elevated androgens, acne, absent or irregular cycles. This is often diagnosed by an endocrinologist, but many times referrals are not forthcoming, and woman are left floundering for support outside of oral contraceptives. Note PCOS should not be confused with hypothalamic amenorrhoea or suppressed ovarian function post oral contraceptive, which can take time to recover from. PCOS needs a well-controlled insulin regulating diet as a foundation and support with herbal/nutritional medicine.