What is endometriosis and can private health cover help you get a diagnosis?

We’ve come a long way from seeing women’s pain as ‘normal,’ but what more can we do to help people experiencing endo live life to the fullest? Lora Attia, an accredited practising dietitian specialising in reproductive health with Nutrition Plus, helps us explain more.

In this article

• What is endometriosis?
• What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
• Getting diagnosed with endometriosis
• How is endometriosis treated?
• Endometriosis and diet
• What specialist should you see

What is endometriosis?

According to Lora, endometriosis (sometimes called ‘endo’) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting about 11% of women in Australia. Endometriosis happens when the ‘endometrium’ – cells similar to those that line the womb – grow outside the uterus.¹

When these cells respond to signals from the ovaries, they bleed during menstruation, which leads to inflammation and scarring in those areas of the body.¹ This can cause pain, and over time, scarring of the area.¹

There is no cure, and diagnosis can sometimes take several years, according to Lora.²

As part of Endometriosis Awareness Month, we asked Lora to support us in sharing more on Endo, its symptoms and treatments.

What are the symptoms of endo?

The severity of symptoms differ from woman to woman¹, but might include:³

• abdominal pain
• heavy periods
• bleeding from the bladder or bowel
• feeling bloated
• fatigue
• anxiety or depression (related to the pain)
• infertility

There are effective treatments and ways to help relieve some symptoms.¹

Getting diagnosed with endo (especially for younger women)

Endometriosis can only be officially diagnosed with laparoscopic keyhole surgery.¹ But Attia says that seeing a good doctor and starting the process early for young women with pelvic pain can be key.

‘Some women are hesitant to get surgery, so that can be a barrier to finding out if you have endo, particularly if you're younger. It may feel a little frightening and invasive,’ she says.

‘You may first be given a referral to do a pelvic exam, or an MRI, or an ultrasound, or perhaps be referred to a gynaecologist, before a laparoscopic procedure.’

‘For a woman who isn't sexually active, having a pelvic exam will usually be avoided, but your medical team will advise what is best for you,’ says Attia.

How is endo treated?

Your treating doctor may recommend different treatments depending on your symptoms and situation.

Your doctor may recommend:⁴

• pain relief medications
• hormone therapy medications such as combined contraceptives, progestogens (as realised with an IUD or taken as a daily pill)
• some anti-depressant medications are used to treat endo

According to Jean Hailes and their research, surgery by laparoscopy is an effective way to treat endometriosis. But a combination of surgery and hormone therapy can improve outcomes.

What about diet?

While there is no evidence that nutrition influences endometriosis directly, a healthy diet and lifestyle is important for overall wellbeing and it is important to strive to be as healthy as possible.

Attia suggests that her endo clients focus on a Mediterranean diet.

“The Mediterranean dietary pattern is rich in seafood, with a high intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. It has a higher consumption of healthy fats that reduce inflammation” says Attia.

Attia asks her clients to focus on the "5 Fs".

1. Fruit & Veg

   Attia encourages her clients to increase their fruit and veg intake, particularly having more colour on the plate at mealtimes.

   “Colour means more antioxidants”.

2. Fibre and plant foods

   Mediterranean and vegetarian dietary patterns are rich in plant foods, high in fibre and are associated with reduced severity of endometriosis. It is thought that fibre interferes with the reabsorption of oestrogen reducing circulating oestrogen and its impact on endometrial growth. Aim to eat plenty of legumes, whole grains, nuts and seed, fruit and vegetables with a goal of getting 30 grams of fibre a day.

3. Foliage – cruciferous vegetables

   Focus on cruciferous – or Brassica – vegetables.’ Cruciferous and Brassica vegetables include:

   • Bok choy
   • Brussels sprouts
   • Rocket
   • Broccoli
   • Cabbage
   • Cauliflower

4. Fat

   “The Mediterranean diet is a lot higher in healthy fats than in the Western diet, and it uses Extra Virgin Olive Oil in cooking and salad dressing. Those fats have been shown to be beneficial for heart health, inflammation, and good levels of antioxidants and vitamin E.”

5. Fish

   Fish is good for the anti-inflammatory properties that can potentially help reduce inflammation caused by endo.

   Attia says the best sources of these Omega 3 and 6 goodies are:

   • Salmon
   • Mackerel
   • Tuna
   • Sardines
   • and (to a lesser degree) walnuts and chia seeds.

Endometriosis, IBS, and the low FODMAP diet

Lora Attia says that women with Endo are 2.5 times more likely to have symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). If you are experiencing IBS symptoms, Attia recommends a low FODMAP dietary pattern (not a ‘diet’) for IBS sufferers with the assistance of a dietician.

The FODMAP diet was developed by Monash University and has been successfully used by endo patients that also suffer from IBS.⁵

“There is a high co-occurrence [of endo] with IBS,” says Attia. “The FODMAP diet has three stages, and can work best when assisted by a dietitian. Our role is to help women to understand and use the diet successfully.”

A visual guide to Women's Health

Extra info and support from Endometriosis Australia

For supportive resources, including the podcast ‘Living with Endo’ – Endometriosis Australia is a great place to start.

• Endometriosis Australia
• Endometriosis Australia on Facebook