Endometriosis - Supplements

 
Endometriosis
Chronic pain and bloating in a woman’s abdomen may point to an abnormality of the endometrial tissue. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Ease the soreness with C and E

    Lessen the pain by taking a daily combination of 1,000 mg of vitamin C and 1,200 IU of vitamin E

Also indexed as:
  • endometriosis

About this treatment

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.


SupplementAmountWhy
Propolis
(Female Infertility)
500 mg twice per day2 stars For infertile women with endometriosis, taking propolis may improve the likelihood of pregnancy.


2 stars Propolis

500 mg twice per day

In a preliminary study of women with infertility and mild endometriosis, supplementation with propolis (500 mg twice a day for six months) was associated with a pregnancy rate of 60%, compared with a rate of 20% in the placebo group (a statistically significant difference).7 Whether propolis would be beneficial for infertile women who do not have endometriosis is not known.


SupplementAmountWhy
Vitamin C and Vitamin E
1,000 mg vitamin C and 1,200 IU vitamin E daily2 stars A combination of vitamin C and vitamin E can help lessen the pain of endometriosis.


2 stars Vitamin C and Vitamin E

1,000 mg vitamin C and 1,200 IU vitamin E daily

In a study of women with pelvic pain presumed to be due to endometriosis, supplementation with vitamin E (1,200 IU per day) and vitamin C (1,000 mg per day) for two months resulted in an improvement of pain in 43% of women, whereas none of the women receiving a placebo reported pain relief.8


SupplementAmountWhy
Fish Oil
Refer to label instructions 1 star Fish oil may reduce the severity of endometriosis, and it has been shown to improve symptoms of dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), which may be caused by endometriosis.


1 star Fish Oil

Animal research suggests that fish oils may reduce the severity of endometriosis,9 , 10 and fish oils have been shown to improve symptoms of dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation),11 which may be caused by endometriosis. Therefore, while no specific research has been done on the effects of fish oils in women with endometriosis, some health practitioners recommend several grams of fish oil per day for this condition.


SupplementAmountWhy
Pycnogenol
60 mg per day 1 star In a preliminary study, symptoms of endometriosis gradually declined when women took Pycnogenol.


1 star Pycnogenol

60 mg per day

In a preliminary study,12 symptoms of endometriosis gradually declined when women took 60 mg per day of Pycnogenol, which is high in flavonoids. Double-blind research is needed to confirm these findings.


SupplementAmountWhy
Vitex
Refer to label instructions 1 star Vitex is recommended either alone or in combination with other herbs, such as dandelion root, prickly ash, and motherwort, by some doctors to treat endometriosis symptoms.


1 star Vitex

Vitex is recommended either alone or in combination with other herbs, such as dandelion root, prickly ash, and motherwort, by some doctors to treat the symptoms of endometriosis.13, 14 Although vitex affects hormones that in turn affect the severity of endometriosis,15 and it may be effective for premenstrual syndrome,16 no research has tested the effect of vitex supplementation on women with endometriosis. Similarly, no other botanical medicines have been scientifically researched for treating this disease.


Last Review: 05-11-2011

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Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net

Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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