ENDOMETRIOSIS is a condition in which the cells lining the inside of the uterus, or the endometrium, also grow elsewhere. No proof exists as to what causes endometrial cells to grow outside the uterine body. Nonetheless, doctors continue to expand their knowledge about the course, treatment, and effects of ENDOMETRIOSIS.

During the normal menstrual cycle, the endometrium is stimulated by a continually changing cycle of hormones. In the absence of conception, these hormones cause it to "die," sloughs off, and pass through the vagina during the menses. However, during the menstrual cycles of women who suffer from ENDOMETRIOSIS, both the cells of the endometrium and the cells of endometrial origin that are grown outside the uterus respond to these cyclic hormonal messages
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The growth of endometrial tissue outside of the endometrium occurs most often in or on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the urinary bladder, the bowel, the pelvic floor, the peritoneum, and within the uterine musculature. According to a recent Stanford University study, the most common site of ENDOMETRIOSIS is the deep pelvic peritoneal cavity, or the cul-de-sac. The presence of ENDOMETRIOSIS outside the pelvic area is uncommon.

ENDOMETRIOSIS produce a host of symptoms. These include incapacitating pain in the uterus, lower back. and organs in the pelvic cavity prior to and during the menses; intermittent pain throughout the menstrual cycle; painful intercourse; excessive bleeding including the passing of large clots and shreds of tissue during the menses; nausea, vomiting, and constipation during the menses; and infertility. Because menstruation is heavy, iron deficiency anemia is common.

 ENDOMETRIOSIS produces adhesion, which are formed when endometrial tissue is not fully discharged.  Adhesion attach to various pelvic organs, causing them to bind together. This produces the characteristic severe abdominal pain. Endometrial or "chocolate"cysts are common on the ovaries. These are usually found to contain moderate amounts of oxidized blood having an appearance of chocolate syrup
 

Several theories have been proposed to expel the cause of ENDOMETRIOSIS, including the REFLUX menstruation theory developed by John Sampson, MD, in 1920, Reflex menstruation occurs when menstrual fluid backs up into the fallopian tubes and drips into the peritoneal cavity. While this theory appears to answer the question of what causes ENDOMETRIOSIS, it has not been scientifically proven. Another popular theory states the ENDOMETRIOSIS is caused when endometrial cells are spread through blood and lymph channels.

Despite disagreement over the cause, more is known today about this perplexing condition then ever before. Once labeled as the working woman's disease, ENDOMETRIOSIS is now known to affect 12 million American women-approximately 10% of the female adult population-from all walks of life.
 

Most sufferers of ENDOMETRIOSIS have never been pregnant. The exact relationship between infertility and ENDOMETRIOSIS remains somewhat unclear. There is debate in the medical mainstream over whether ENDOMETRIOSIS causes infertility itself, or whether delaying childbearing results in the gradual breakdown of the female reproductive organs, of which ENDOMETRIOSIS is a symptom

Treatment is varied according to how far the condition has progressed. Doctors commonly prescribe danazol and birth control pills in an attempt to control the blood flow and pain and with the hope of keeping the abnormal tissue from spreading. They may also use a synthetic male hormone to stop the menstrual period completely. This type of hormone causes excess facial hair growth and a deepening of the voice. If drug therapy fails, radical excision via hysterectomy may be recommended. A less traumatic excision option used to treat milder cases is laser surgery via laparoscopy to identify and vaporize adhesions and cysts.

NEW THEORIES AND TREATMENTS
 

An alternative theory of the origin of, and new surgical treatment for, ENDOMETRIOSIS was developed in the United States by David Redwine, M, D. of St. Charles Medical Center, Bend, Oregon.
It is being used by several other gynecological surgeons in the united states, among the Dan Martin, MD, of Baptist Memorial Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee; and Russ Malanack,M.D. and Jim Wheeler, MD, both of Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.

Rejection the mainstream prognosis, Dr. Redwine claims the ENDOMETRIOSIS is curable. Data collected from his follow-up studies indicate that after a procedure called "near-contact" laparoscopy, 75% of his patients experienced complete relief of symptoms, and 20% experienced an improvement in their symptoms from disabling pain to minimal pain. No relief was reported by 5%.

Since 1979, Redwine has performed near-contact laparoscopy on nearly 400 women. In near-contact laparoscopy, the surgeon examines the entire pelvic cavity and the entire peritoneal surface at very close range to identify any possible endometrial lesions. All suspected endometrial growths in or on the peritoneum, along with all other suspected endometrial lesions, whether typical black-colored or atypical and multicolored, are removed. The body regenerates the removed portions of the peritoneum within several weeks, Each biopsied tissue sample is identified, then sent to the lab for confirmation that it is endometrial in origin. This identification method has enabled Dr. Redwine to prove that excised lesions other that "black powder" lesions have been endometrial in origin.

Disagreeing with the mainstream of gynecological surgeons who accept REFLUX menstruation as its cause, Redwine proposes that ENDOMETRIOSIS is actually an unrecognized congenital birth defect. He proposes that during fetal development, endometrial cells migrate toward ducts that develop into the ovaries, uterus, and vagina to form the uterine lining-and some cells are left behind. These cells become imbedded in the ectopic sites and grow. Redwine supports the theory that states that endometrial growths change color until they appear as the classic dark-colored implants primarily found in patients in their thirties.

According to Dr. Redwine, ENDOMETRIOSIS actually is a disease of predominantly nonmenstrual pelvic pain caused by lesions that are predominately non black and easily missed and that do not spread progressively throughout the pelvis with advancing age, Infertility and dysmenorrhea are less common symptoms and frequently are not due to ENDOMETRIOSIS. Anatomic and physiologic derangement's frequently accompany, but are not necessarily the result of, ENDOMETRIOSIS.

Though endometrial lesions vary in color white, clear, yellow, blue, red and black, most surgeons remove only the black "powder burned" lesions and chocolate cysts. The reason why so many women have recurring problems with ENDOMETRIOSIS, in spite of surgery, is that only a portion of their endometrial implants have been removed in surgery, Redwine states, In fact, he claims that surgeons who excise only typical black lesions could leave from 50 to 60% of the disease behind. For example, the surgeon reports that only 40%of 1143 women he treated with ENDOMETRIOSIS had typical black powder burn lesions. The multicolored, "atypical" type was found in 60% of these women. Dr. Redwine attributes his success rate-measured as the lack of recurrence and lessening of symptoms-to the removal of both typical and atypical endometrial lesions not only within the pelvic cavity, but on the peritoneum, as well.
 

MAINSTREAM THEORIES

Caused by retrograde menstruation
Lesions bleed monthly.
Frequent recurrence following removal of typical lesion.
Progressive disease.
Disease primarily of women over 30.
Associated with menstruation.
Black lesions prevalent.
causes infertility
Peritoneal implants not considered endometrial in origin.
Hysterectomy recommended for severe cases.
Provides undependable levels of relief.

DR.REDWINES THEORIES

Caused by embryonic defect in cell differentiation
Lesions do not bleed.
Little recurrence following removal of both typical and atypical lesions.
Positionally static disease.
Disease of women of all ages.
 Independent of menstruation.
Multicolored lesions prevalent.
Is not an actual cause of infertility
Peritoneal implants proven to be endometrial in origin?
Removal of typical and atypical lesions by near-contact laparoscopy provided complete relief for 75% of a sample group of 400.

The following nutrients may help keep the disorder in check if diagnosed in the early stages:

NUTRIENTS

Very important- vitamin E start at 400 iu daily increase slowly to 1,000 iu Aids hormone imbalance

Important- Iron  As directed, Unsaturated fatty acids- Primrose oil  2 capsules 3 times daily
Vitamin B-complex and pantothenic acid 100 mg 3 times daily
Vitamin B6 50 mg 3 times daily
Vitamin C 2,000 mg 3 times daily

Helpful- Calcium Chelate  1,500 mg
Magnesium  11,000 mg taken at bedtime
Kelp Tablets 2 tablets taken 3 times daily

HERBS

The herbs Dong qui, raspberry leaves, and Siberian Ginseng should be part of the program. As well as Skullcap, Black Cohosh and Wild Yam may address underlying hormonal problems. Valerian may help you relax, but do not take it for longer than a month unless directed by your practitioner. Life root and Black Cohosh enhance the health of pelvic organs. Black Haw and cramp bark are useful for cramping.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Diet is very important, Avoid caffeine, salt, sugar, animal fats, butter, dairy products, all hardened fats, fried foods, red meats, poultry unless farm raised, range free and skinless, and junk foods or fast foods.

The diet should include 50% raw vegetables and fruits. In addition, eat only whole grain products, raw nuts, seeds and fish. Eliminate shellfish from the diet.

It is important to fast for three days before the menstrual period begins. Use steam-distilled water and fresh live juices.

A green drink from dark green leafy vegetables should be part of the diet. Daily moderate exercise such as walking or stretching is beneficial.

Avoid exposure to Dioxin, which recent evidence has shown may play a role in causing some instanced of ENDOMETRIOSIS.

If you use tampons, change them frequently, especially when your flow is heavy, and consider discontinuing tampons or alternation them with sanitary napkins.

CONSIDERATIONS

Some natural physicians have theorized that ENDOMETRIOSIS is related to the body's inability to absorb calcium properly.

For more information contact: ENDOMETRIOSIS Association,
PO Box 92187
Milwaukee, WI  53202 or call 1-800-922-ENDO

For a videotape documenting Dr. David Redwine's studies can be obtained by writing to: Nancy Peterson, RN
St. Charles Medical Center,
2500 NE Neff Road
Bend, Oregon 97701 or call 1-503-382-4321
 

All information and Vitamin dosages found here in can be
found in the Prescription for Nutritional Healing By James F. Balch, MD, Phyllis A. Balch, C. N.
Alternative Advisor by Time/Life books