An Integrative Approach to Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a complex condition that lives at the intersection of hormones, immunity, inflammation, and the microbiome. While surgery or medication may be part of a treatment plan, adjunctive and naturopathic care can play an important role in supporting the underlying systems that influence how endometriosis shows up in the body.
Ultimately, the goal is not to “cure” endometriosis, but to slow progression, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the body’s resilience before or after interventions. By tending to the body’s environment, it’s often possible to ease symptoms, stabilize flares, and support long-term balance.
My work is often guided by four key pillars: inflammation, hormone metabolism, the microbiome, and immune regulation. Each connects to the others, which is why it is crucial to take this multifaceted approach. To add on to this, we can never leave out the importance of supporting stress and mental health whenever there is a chronic pain condition.
Reducing Inflammation
Endometriosis is driven by inflammation. Immune cells around endometrial lesions release cytokines and prostaglandins that create pain, fatigue, and tissue irritation. Over time, this chronic inflammation reinforces itself, feeding a cycle of immune activation and oxidative stress.
Addressing inflammation isn’t just about pain management. It’s about shifting the body out of a chronic alarmed state. When inflammatory pathways quiet down, the body can focus on repair, circulation, and hormone balance instead of being in a state of constant defense.
Optimizing Hormone Metabolism
Endometriosis is hormonally responsive, especially to estrogen, which is why birth control is a common recommendation. The way the body metabolizes, detoxifies, and clears hormones has a profound influence on how sex hormones impact symptoms.
When estrogen metabolism becomes inefficient, more pro-inflammatory or proliferative metabolites can accumulate. This often amplifies tissue growth and pain sensitivity. At the same time, stress, nutrient status, and liver function all influence this process. Supporting healthy hormone metabolism means helping the body use and eliminate hormones effectively by ensuring they move through balanced pathways.
This pillar is about creating hormonal harmony, rather than focusing solely on suppression or dominance.
Supporting The Microbiome and Estrobolome
Emerging research has shown strong links between gut health and endometriosis. The gut microbiome influences estrogen metabolism through what’s known as the estrobolome, which is a collection of bacteria that help regulate how estrogens are processed and recirculated.
When the microbiome is imbalanced (a state known as dysbiosis), or when the gut barrier is compromised, inflammatory molecules can leak into circulation, amplifying systemic immune activation. Many individuals with endometriosis also experience digestive symptoms such as bloating, constipation, or sensitivity to certain foods.
By supporting the microbiome and gut integrity, we aim to reduce inflammatory signaling, promote hormone balance, and restore immune tolerance.
Addressing Autoimmune and Immune Dysregulation
Although endometriosis is not classified as an autoimmune disease, it shares many features with one. The immune system behaves abnormally, both overactive and under-responsive. It generates inflammatory responses against misplaced endometrial tissue, yet fails to effectively clear it. This dysregulation may be part of why endometrial lesions can persist and spread.
Autoimmune tendencies can also overlap with endometriosis: thyroid autoimmunity, inflammatory bowel conditions, or other systemic immune imbalances are common. Recognizing this interplay helps us approach care with nuance. The goal is not to suppress the immune system, but to support appropriate defense while calming overactivation.
Understanding the immune component also reframes endometriosis as more than a hormonal disorder. It’s an immune-endocrine condition, and supporting immune balance can influence how symptoms unfold over time.
Putting It All Together
When we view endometriosis through these interconnected systems (inflammatory, hormonal, microbial, and immune) it becomes clearer why a whole-body approach matters. Each pillar influences the others: inflammation affects hormone metabolism, the microbiome affects immune signaling, and stress touches them all.
Adjunctive care works within this web to create conditions that favor balance and repair. Whether before or after laparoscopy, during active symptom management, or between flares, our role is to support what the body can do: reduce reactivity, restore rhythm, and rebuild resilience.
About the Author
Dr. Hannah is a naturopathic doctor providing whole body adjunctive healthcare to families in Southern Maine. She believes every patient has their own unique health journey, which influences her personalized treatment approach. She has a passion for helping women, mothers and families heal and thrive, all while uncovering the root cause of whatever ails them. Her goal is to empower and guide her patients on the path towards healing the mind, body and soul through natural methods of healing. Dr. Hannah sees patients locally in Portland, Maine. Through telehealth, she is happy to serve the people of Lewiston, Ellsworth, Bangor, and all the towns in between!
Disclaimer
The information provided on or through this website is for educational and informational purposes only. This information is not a substitution for proper and personalized medical diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or trusted healthcare provider before making an adjustments or changes to your healthcare regimen. Natural medicine is not inherently harmless, and therefore it is important to speak with your healthcare providers for personalized medical advice.