It’s estimated that 10-15% of all women of reproductive age and 70% of women with chronic pelvic pain are affected by endometriosis [1]. Often, it takes a while for the diagnosis, which prolongs the amount of time that women spend in pain and suffering, as well as experiencing a reduced quality of life. Research has been done over the years to see if natural compounds and other complementary treatments may relieve pain for those suffering from the condition.
A new study published in the December 2024 issue of the journal Fitoterapia shared its findings from reviewing prior research to see if natural compounds help with chronic pelvic pain from endometriosis [2]. The researchers reviewed the major research databases to narrow down studies on the topic.
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Of particular interest when looking for studies to include, they sought out those that included natural compounds, plant-based ingredients, etc. Some of the criteria included searching for studies that used curcumins, ginsenosides, polyphenols, and other metabolites to help with endometriosis or other chronic pelvic pain. They looked for ones that used these things to show promising effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and pain modulation.
They conclude that natural compounds may represent a promising complementary support for those who have chronic pelvic pain, according to the studies they collected. They report that innovative solutions are needed for endometriosis because the current gold standard of laparoscopic surgery and hormonal contraceptive pills come with numerous side effects.
In an additional new study published in the July 2024 Journal of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Human Reproduction, researchers looked at oral nutritional supplements on chronic pain related to endometriosis [3]. They report that due to the adverse side effects of conventional treatments, more people are seeking out nutritional supplements for endometriosis therapy. They found 20 studies published on the topic, which looked at endometriosis pain and nutritional supplements, including vitamins, fatty acids, probiotics, medicinal plants, and bioactive compounds.
They found that there was a significant decrease in pain in three out of five vitamin studies, four out of six studies using fatty acids, one study on probiotics, two studies using medicinal plants, and five out of six studies using bioactive compounds. The substances helped with things relevant to managing endometriosis pain. They conclude that oral nutritional supplements could be part of a plan to treat endometriosis.
These new studies provide hope for those who suffer from chronic pelvic pain. Increasingly, there are emerging tools and research that may help provide some pain relief and improve quality of life.
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This article was originally published on Confronting Chronic Pain by Dr. Steven Richeimer, Director Pain Medicine and Pain Science Certificates.
Sources:
- Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports. Endometriosis: Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Clinical Management. January 2017.
- Fitoterapia. Natural Compounds for endometriosis and related chronic pelvic pain. December 2024.
- Journal of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Human Reproduction. The effects of oral nutritional supplements on endometriosis-related pain. July 2024.
