Endometriosis is a long-term condition in which cells similar to those lining the womb grow elsewhere in the body. Symptoms vary and may include severe period pain, pelvic or back pain, heavy periods, pain during sex, bowel or bladder symptoms, fatigue and difficulty becoming pregnant.
Endometriosis can affect work, relationships, emotional wellbeing and everyday life. Diagnosis can take time because symptoms may resemble other conditions.
There is currently no treatment that cures endometriosis, but medical and surgical treatments can help manage symptoms. Care may include pain relief, hormonal treatments, surgery, fertility support and specialist endometriosis services.
During treatment, Jamie considers pain patterns, the menstrual cycle, bleeding, digestion, fatigue, sleep, emotional wellbeing, fertility concerns, medication and specialist care.
Chinese medicine uses an individual diagnosis rather than treating everybody with endometriosis in the same way. Treatment is adapted according to symptoms, health history and wider presentation.
Acupuncture may be considered as supportive care. It does not remove endometriosis and should not replace diagnosis, medical treatment or specialist advice.
The first appointment provides time to discuss symptoms, diagnosis, investigations, medication, surgery, fertility concerns and the impact on everyday life. It includes an individual Chinese medicine assessment and, where appropriate, your first acupuncture treatment.
Endometriosis commonly connects with the Wellbeing and Health Pathway. Where conception or assisted reproduction is central, the Fertility and IVF Pathway may also inform care.
The British Acupuncture Council describes the evidence concerning acupuncture for endometriosis as preliminary. Its fact sheet refers to a small sham-controlled trial and comparative studies, while stating that further research is needed.
Further reading:
https://acupuncture.org.uk/fact-sheets/endometriosis/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endometriosis/
https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/
See a GP if you think you may have endometriosis, symptoms affect everyday life, or existing treatment is not helping. Seek urgent medical advice for severe or rapidly worsening pain, very heavy bleeding, fainting, breathing difficulty or other concerning symptoms.
If endometriosis is affecting pain, energy or everyday life, a first appointment gives us time to discuss whether acupuncture may be a suitable part of your wider care.