5 Ways to Manage Endometriosis Symptoms During the Holidays

The tissue that lines your uterus is called the endometrium. Endometrial tissue is what swells and then bleeds in response to the hormonal cues of your menstrual cycle.

For those living with the condition known as endometriosis, this tissue begins growing in places outside your uterus, including your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and elsewhere in your pelvis. This leads to many unpleasant symptoms, such as pelvic pain and irregular bleeding. 

Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure for endometriosis. 

But our women’s health team, led by Karen Mass, MD, FACOG, at Women’s Specialty Care in Lake Forest and Grayslake, Illinois, wants you to know that there are ways you can keep endometriosis symptoms from sidelining you this holiday season. 

So, in this month’s blog, we’re highlighting five practical endometriosis management strategies to let you enjoy this holiday season to the fullest. 

1. Be mindful of your diet

Some experts have suggested that a diet containing low amounts of fruits and vegetables and high amounts of red meat can release certain chemicals that trigger an increase in estrogen production. The extra estrogen causes more endometrial tissue to grow, which worsens your symptoms as a result. 

When you’re at various holiday gatherings, make sure you include fruits and vegetables in your meals and limit fatty red meats. Omega-3 fatty acids can also reduce estrogen inflammation.

Caffeine and alcohol may exacerbate endometriosis symptoms, so limit your intake of these whenever possible.

2. Move your body

Regular exercise can regulate your hormones and lower the overall amount of estrogen in your body, which can reduce endometriosis symptom severity as a result. In addition, the endorphins released during exercise can reduce stress and relieve pain.

No matter what kinds of physical activity you enjoy, whether it’s walking, doing yoga, or lifting weights, find time to move your body during your busy holiday schedule for some much-needed symptom relief. 

3. Have a few different pain relief methods

Oftentimes, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help with pain and inflammation. You may also want to keep a heating pad with you or take a warm bath when pelvic pain strikes. 

4. Manage your stress

Finding ways to manage your stress and correct negative thought patterns around pain and other endometriosis symptoms can help when unexpected flare-ups happen. Helpful relaxation techniques include mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga, and journaling. 

If stressful holiday gatherings seem to ramp up your symptoms, don’t be afraid to take the time to leave your environment to do something relaxing or fun for you. It might be a relaxation technique, or it might be calling a friend, taking a walk, or reading a book. 

5. Visit our team for expert-level treatment

If you don’t currently have an endometriosis management plan that’s effective, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for an evaluation. 

We can discuss which treatments you’ve tried and recommend other options. At Women’s Specialty Care, we offer hormone therapy and other medications to help level out hormones and reduce pain and bleeding.

To schedule an endometriosis treatment evaluation, simply call your nearest office location, or use our online booking feature today.