Endometriosis Explained: A Natural Approach to Healing Hormones and Supporting Fertility
If you’ve ever been told that painful periods are just “part of being a woman,” let me stop you right there — that simply isn’t true and you don’t have to accept cramps, bloating, or total exhaustion as your normal.
The women I work with aren’t interested in vague answers or quick fixes. Whether they’re navigating hormonal symptoms, preparing for pregnancy, or just wanting to feel more in tune with their bodies, they’re looking for real, root-cause solutions — not just another dismissive brush-off from a busy doctor.
And sometimes, those painful periods and frustrating symptoms are pointing to something deeper, like endometriosis — a condition that’s far more common (and misunderstood) than most people realize. In this post, we’re diving into what endo really is, how it could be affecting your fertility, and most importantly, what natural steps you can take to start feeling better.
What is Endometriosis, Really?
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium) grows outside of the uterus. These growths, often called lesions or implants, can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the outside of the uterus, bladder, intestines, and in rare cases, even more distant areas of the body.
Unlike the uterine lining, which sheds each month during your period, this tissue has nowhere to go. As it responds to hormonal fluctuations throughout your cycle — thickening, breaking down, and bleeding — it can trigger inflammation, immune reactions, and the formation of scar tissue and adhesions. And this process can be incredibly painful and disruptive.
Common Endometriosis Symptoms
Many women with endometriosis experience:
Painful periods (cramping that interferes with your daily life)
Pain during or after sex
GI issues (bloating, constipation, diarrhea — especially around your period)
Chronic fatigue
Painful bowel movements or urination
Lower back pain, especially during your period
Leg pain (due to nerve involvement)
Nausea or vomiting during periods
Infertility or difficulty conceiving
And here’s what makes diagnosis tricky: not everyone with endometriosis has severe symptoms. Some women may have minimal pain but still struggle with fertility. Others may deal with daily discomfort that goes unexplained for years. And because endometriosis isn’t always visible on ultrasounds or standard imaging, diagnosis is often delayed — with the average being 8 to 10 years.
How Does Endometriosis Affect Fertility?
If you’re actively trying to conceive or planning for a baby in the near future, endometriosis can feel like a big unknown. And it’s true that endo can make it more challenging to get pregnant, but understanding how it impacts fertility is the first step toward taking back control.
Here are some of the ways endometriosis may interfere with fertility:
Chronic pelvic inflammation can damage egg quality, impair fertilization, or create a hostile environment for conception.
Endometriomas (also called “chocolate cysts”) on the ovaries can damage ovarian tissue, reduce ovarian reserve and interfere with healthy follicle development or ovulation.
Scar tissue and adhesions can distort pelvic anatomy or prevent the fallopian tubes from properly picking up the egg after ovulation or may block the sperm from reaching the egg.
Altered endometrial receptivity — even in women without lesions in the uterus — may make the uterine lining less welcoming to an embryo and impair implantation.
Impaired ovulation can occur due to inflammation, ovarian damage, or hormonal disruption — leading to irregular or anovulatory cycles.
Immune dysregulation may cause the immune system to attack sperm, embryos, or interfere with implantation through elevated natural killer (NK) cells, cytokines, or other immune factors.
But here’s what I want you to know:
Having endometriosis doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant. Many women with endo conceive naturally — especially with the right care, support, and a root-cause approach.
What Causes Endometriosis?
The exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown — and frustratingly, it's likely not just one thing. Instead, it seems to develop from a combination of genetic, immune, hormonal, and environmental factors. Here are the leading theories:
Retrograde menstruation: When menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity, carrying endometrial-like cells with it. (This happens in many people, but not all go on to develop endo — suggesting other factors are also involved.)
Immune dysfunction: A compromised or overactive immune system may fail to recognize and clear these misplaced cells, allowing them to implant and grow.
Hormonal imbalances: Estrogen plays a major role in fueling endometriosis, especially when levels are high or the body isn’t detoxifying estrogen efficiently.
Environmental toxins: Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and dioxins may increase risk by mimicking or interfering with hormones.
Genetics: Endometriosis often runs in families, and some genetic variations may make certain people more susceptible.
Stem cell or embryonic cell theory: Some researchers believe that endometriosis may arise from stem cells or remnants of embryonic tissue that develop abnormally under hormonal influence.
This complexity is why I always take a whole-body, root-cause approach in my practice. No two cases are exactly alike — and your care shouldn’t be either.
Diagnosing Endometriosis: Why It's So Often Missed
The only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is still through laparoscopic surgery, which allows direct visualization and biopsy of lesions. This minimally invasive procedure remains the gold standard, but it’s not always immediately necessary — or the first step.
Many women go years without a diagnosis because symptoms can be subtle, varied, or overlap with other conditions. Plus, smaller or superficial lesions often don’t show up on standard imaging tests like ultrasounds or MRIs, which are better at detecting larger ovarian cysts (endometriomas) or deep tissue involvement.
Another reason many women remain undiagnosed is because they want to avoid surgery unless absolutely necessary. Laparoscopy, while generally safe, is still an invasive procedure that requires anesthesia and recovery time, so some women and their doctors prefer to start with symptom management and non-invasive assessments first.
That’s why I prioritize pattern recognition in my clinical approach — looking closely at your symptoms, personal and family history, hormone balance, markers of inflammation, and even fertility tracking data. Together, we build a detailed picture that can strongly suggest endometriosis even before surgery is considered.
This approach helps guide treatment early on, reduces frustration, and supports your well-being — with or without an official surgical diagnosis.
A Naturopathic and Functional Approach to Endometriosis
There is no “cure” for endometriosis, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. In fact, there is so much you can do to reduce symptoms, support hormone balance, and optimize fertility naturally.
Here’s what I focus on with my clients:
1. Balance Estrogen + Support Detoxification
Excess estrogen or inefficient estrogen clearance can fuel endometrial tissue growth, which is why supporting your body’s natural detox pathways is key. Strategies include:
Eating plenty of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, cauliflower) to encourage healthy estrogen metabolism
Incorporating ground flaxseed daily for its phytoestrogens and fiber
Supporting liver detox with nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)
Embracing low-toxin living by choosing clean personal care and household products to reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors
Hormone testing, like the DUTCH test, can provide valuable insight into how your body is processing estrogen and highlight areas that need extra support.
2. Reduce Inflammation
Chronic inflammation worsens pain and disease progression in endometriosis. To calm inflammation, I recommend a mix of whole foods and supplements, such as:
Omega-3 fatty acids from flax, chia, walnuts, or supplements
Turmeric/curcumin, especially high-quality, bioavailable forms
Plenty of antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and green tea
Temporarily or long-term elimination of common inflammatory foods such as gluten and dairy, based on individual sensitivity
3. Support the Microbiome
The health of your gut and pelvic microbiomes is closely linked to estrogen metabolism and immune function. Interventions often include:
Probiotics to restore balance
Prebiotic fibers to nourish beneficial bacteria
Testing for gut imbalances like dysbiosis or SIBO, which are common in women with endometriosis
Targeted gut-healing protocols to reduce inflammation and improve overall health
4. Regulate the Immune System
Emerging research shows endometriosis involves immune dysregulation. To support a balanced immune response, consider:
Testing and supplementing vitamin D as needed (don’t guess!)
Medicinal mushrooms like reishi or turkey tail, known for immune modulation
Lifestyle practices that reduce inflammation and stress, such as adequate sleep, mindful movement, and relaxation techniques
5. Track Your Cycle + Optimize Ovulation
Understanding your menstrual cycle can provide crucial insights into ovulation and hormone balance. I often guide clients to track:
Basal body temperature to detect ovulation
Cervical mucus changes as a fertility indicator
Use of ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) for added clarity
For everything you need to know about tracking your cycle, check out my course, The Fertility Code.
When Conventional and Natural Approaches Work Together
Sometimes, combining conventional treatments like surgery with naturopathic care provides the best outcomes. Surgery can effectively reduce pain and improve fertility by removing lesions, while naturopathic support helps with healing, hormone balance, and preventing recurrence.
The goal is always to create a personalized, comprehensive plan that addresses your unique needs and supports your whole health.
You’re Not Alone—and You’re Not Broken
Endometriosis can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s tied to your hopes for motherhood or when there seems to be no relief from daily pain. But there are answers and there is a path forward that honors your body, your goals, and your values.
If you suspect you may be dealing with endometriosis — or if you’ve already been diagnosed and are ready for a more natural, root-cause approach — I’d be honored to work with you.
You can schedule your consultation here.
