An education piece by Naturalist
What Is endometriosis? Understanding the full-body impact
Find out what endometriosis really is, how it affects more than just reproductive health, and why a holistic approach is crucial for long-term support and healing.
What exactly is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is more than just painful periods. It's a chronic inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. These growths can attach to various organs, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowels, and even the diaphragm. Unlike normal endometrial tissue, these growths have no way to exit the body, leading to internal bleeding, inflammation, scarring, and adhesions.
How does endometriosis affect the whole body?
While pelvic pain is a hallmark symptom, endometriosis can impact multiple body systems:
Digestive system: Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, painful bowel movements, and food sensitivities (sometimes called “endo belly”)
Immune function: Chronic inflammation, histamine intolerance, and higher risk of immune-related conditions
Hormonal balance: Estrogen dominance, low progesterone, and irregular cycles
Energy and fatigue: Nutrient depletion, iron loss from heavy bleeding, adrenal burnout
Mental health: Anxiety, depression, and the emotional toll of chronic pain
Fertility: Impaired egg quality, blocked tubes, and an inflammatory pelvic environment
Research indicates that endometriosis is a systemic disease, affecting various organs and systems beyond the reproductive tract.
What causes endometriosis?
While we don’t yet know the exact cause, current theories include:
Retrograde menstruation: Menstrual blood flows backward into the pelvic cavity.
Immune dysfunction: The body fails to recognise and eliminate misplaced endometrial-like tissue.
Hormonal imbalances: Estrogen may promote the growth and maintenance of endometrial lesions.
Genetic predisposition: A family history of endometriosis may increases risk.
Stem cell theory and coelomic metaplasia: Stem cells differentiate into endometrial-like cells outside the uterus.
Why a holistic approach matters
Conventional treatments like hormonal suppression, painkillers, and surgery can help, but they often don’t address the root drivers of Endometriosis. A holistic approach looks beyond symptom control and focuses on:
Reducing inflammation: Through diet and lifestyle changes.
Supporting detoxification: Enhancing liver function to process hormones effectively.
Balancing hormones: Using natural methods to regulate estrogen and progesterone levels.
Improving gut health: Addressing digestive issues that may exacerbate symptoms.
Managing stress: Incorporating techniques to calm the nervous system.
By addressing these areas, individuals can work towards long-term relief and improved quality of life.
If you want to learn more, don’t miss my other blog posts about Endometriosis:
What are the root causes of endometriosis
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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From hormonal acne to histamine skin flares: My journey with skin and cycles
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What to eat (and avoid) with endometriosis: A practical nutrition guide
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Hidden signs and symptoms of endometriosis you might be missing
When most people think of endometriosis, they imagine severe period pain. While painful periods are a hallmark symptom, the reality is far more complex and many people with endometriosis experience symptoms that aren’t always linked to their menstrual cycle.
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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.