An education piece by Naturalist
What are the root causes of endometriosis
Exploring the drivers behind endometriosis so we can support healing from the inside out.
Endometriosis is often misunderstood as just a reproductive issue, but it's a complex condition influenced by various factors. Understanding these root causes can empower you to take a holistic approach to healing.
Estrogen dominance and hormonal imbalances
Hormonal imbalance is one of the most well-recognised contributors to endometriosis. Estrogen, in particular, stimulates the growth of endometrial tissue. When there's too much estrogen relative to progesterone, what we call estrogen dominance - it can worsen symptoms like:
Heavy or clotty periods
Sore breasts
Mood swings
Bloating around your cycl
Contributors to estrogen dominance can include poor detoxification, chronic stress, certain medications, and even exposure to xenoestrogens (synthetic estrogens found in plastics and skincare).
Chronic inflammation
Endometriosis is increasingly recognised as an inflammatory condition. The immune system may react to endometrial-like tissue as foreign, triggering ongoing inflammation that leads to pain and adhesions. Addressing inflammation through anti-inflammatory foods, herbal medicine, and stress management is essential for relief.
Immune system dysregulation
A healthy immune system helps clear misplaced endometrial cells, but in endometriosis, this process may be impaired. This dysfunction can lead to the persistence and spread of endometrial tissue. Strengthening the immune system through gut health, herbal support, and adequate nutrition can aid in rebalancing.
Poor detoxification and liver load
The liver plays a crucial role in processing and eliminating excess hormones, including estrogen. If liver function is compromised due to factors like stress, alcohol, or toxin exposure, estrogen may recirculate, exacerbating symptoms. Supporting liver health with bitter herbs, cruciferous vegetables, and nutrients like B vitamins and magnesium can enhance detoxification.
Gut imbalances and the microbiome
There’s a growing link between endometriosis and gut health. Many individuals with endometriosis experience gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, constipation, or food sensitivities. Gut health is integral to hormone metabolism, immune function, and inflammation regulation. Conditions like leaky gut or dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria) can worsen endometriosis symptoms. Focusing on gut repair and microbial balance is often transformative.
Stress and nervous system dysregulation
Chronic stress affects hormones, digestion, and the immune system. When the body is in a constant state of fight-or-flight, healing processes are deprioritised. This can disrupt ovulation, increase cortisol levels, and heighten pain sensitivity. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, gentle movement, and breathwork can support nervous system regulation.
Final thoughts:
Understanding the multifaceted nature of endometriosis is the first step toward effective management. By addressing these root causes, you can create a personalized plan to support your healing journey
At Naturalist, I see you as a whole person. Your pain is real, and your story matters. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have been managing symptoms for years, I am here to help guide your healing journey with natural, evidence-informed care.
Download our free endometriosis guide for natural strategies to support your healing journey.
If you are ready to make change, I want to work with you.
Reading blogs is a great start, but real change happens when you have a plan that’s tailored to you. If you’re ready to move from research into action, I’d love to support you. Book a free discovery call and let’s explore how we can work together on your health journey.
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Two ways to work with me
Everyone’s health journey is different. Some people need focused guidance on a specific issue, while others need deeper, ongoing support to address complex or long-standing symptoms.
Here are the two ways you can work with me.
Best for: Targeted concerns, short-term guidance, or those who want support around a specific issue.
Standard naturopathic consultations are designed to provide individualised advice, education, and recommendations based on your symptoms, history, and goals.
This option may include:
-
One-off or occasional consultations
-
Nutrition, lifestyle, herbal, and supplement guidance
-
Review of existing blood work or test results
-
Practical strategies you can implement independently
This approach works well if:
-
Your symptoms are mild to moderate
-
You’re looking for direction rather than ongoing support
-
You prefer to manage implementation on your own between sessions
Standard support offers flexibility and professional guidance, but progress depends largely on how consistently recommendations are applied and followed up.
-
Best for: Women with endometriosis, PCOS or complex hormonal symptoms who want clarity, structure, and ongoing guidance rather than trial-and-error.
The Thrive programs are comprehensive, multi-phase support pathways designed to address the root drivers of symptoms using functional testing, personalised treatment plans, and consistent 1:1 care.
Rather than isolated appointments, Thrive provides an integrated framework where testing, interpretation, treatment, and support are connected and adjusted as your body responds.
Inside Thrive, you receive:
-
Advanced functional testing and interpretation
-
A personalised, phased treatment plan
-
Ongoing 1:1 practitioner support
-
Access to the Thrive hub, resources, and protocols
-
Structured guidance so you know what to focus on at each stage
The program begins with an initial 1–2 month stabilisation and clarity phase, where we identify what’s driving your symptoms and support the systems under the most strain. From there, you can choose to continue into the full program for deeper treatment and long-term support.
This approach is ideal if:
-
You’ve tried many things and still feel stuck
-
Your symptoms are complex, cyclical, or worsening
-
You want to stop guessing and be guided step-by-step
-
You value ongoing support, accountability, and adjustment
Thrive is designed to take the pressure off you to figure everything out alone. It’s structured, personalised care that adapts to your body not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
-
If you’re unsure which level of support best suits your needs, the first step is a Discovery Call.
This is a supportive conversation where we explore what’s been going on, what you’ve tried, and whether standard support or a Thrive program is the most appropriate next step.
Best for: Targeted concerns, short-term guidance, or those who want support around a specific issue.
Standard naturopathic consultations are designed to provide individualised advice, education, and recommendations based on your symptoms, history, and goals.
This option may include:
-
One-off or occasional consultations
-
Nutrition, lifestyle, herbal, and supplement guidance
-
Review of existing blood work or test results
-
Practical strategies you can implement independently
This approach works well if:
-
Your symptoms are mild to moderate
-
You’re looking for direction rather than ongoing support
-
You prefer to manage implementation on your own between sessions
Standard support offers flexibility and professional guidance, but progress depends largely on how consistently recommendations are applied and followed up.
-
Best for: Women with endometriosis, PCOS or complex hormonal symptoms who want clarity, structure, and ongoing guidance rather than trial-and-error.
The Thrive programs are comprehensive, multi-phase support pathways designed to address the root drivers of symptoms using functional testing, personalised treatment plans, and consistent 1:1 care.
Rather than isolated appointments, Thrive provides an integrated framework where testing, interpretation, treatment, and support are connected and adjusted as your body responds.
Inside Thrive, you receive:
-
Advanced functional testing and interpretation
-
A personalised, phased treatment plan
-
Ongoing 1:1 practitioner support
-
Access to the Thrive hub, resources, and protocols
-
Structured guidance so you know what to focus on at each stage
The program begins with an initial 1–2 month stabilisation and clarity phase, where we identify what’s driving your symptoms and support the systems under the most strain. From there, you can choose to continue into the full program for deeper treatment and long-term support.
This approach is ideal if:
-
You’ve tried many things and still feel stuck
-
Your symptoms are complex, cyclical, or worsening
-
You want to stop guessing and be guided step-by-step
-
You value ongoing support, accountability, and adjustment
Thrive is designed to take the pressure off you to figure everything out alone. It’s structured, personalised care that adapts to your body not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
-
If you’re unsure which level of support best suits your needs, the first step is a Discovery Call.
This is a supportive conversation where we explore what’s been going on, what you’ve tried, and whether standard support or a Thrive program is the most appropriate next step.