Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects more than 5 million, or 10 percent, of American women. The condition occurs when tissue lining the interior uterus walls grows outside the organ. Most commonly the extra tissue affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes or pelvis and can lead to infertility.
How does this condition affect black women?
The current thinking is that endometriosis rarely affects women from the African origin. However, in African-American women in the USA, endometriosis is one of the commonest indications for major gynaecological surgery and hysterectomy, and is associated with long hospital stay and high hospital charges.
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There is also some evidence that endometriosis is more commonly found in African-American patients from private practice than in African-American patients treated in public hospitals.
The Role of Pesticides
Could pesticide exposure be playing a role in these statistics?
Women with high levels of pesticides in their blood are more likely to have endometriosis, according to a new study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
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According to researchers, some pesticides seem to mimic estrogen in the body and may possibly contribute to the development of endometriosis, particularly OCPs.
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Pesticides called OCPs (organochlorine pesticides) were widely used in the United States from the 1940s through the 1960s, until the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United Nations' Stockholm Convention limited their use. But these pesticides are still present in the environment today and have accumulated in the food chain. These chemicals were detected in the blood of women, despite their being banned or severely restricted in the......United States for the past several decades. Women who had higher exposures to two OCPs, beta-hexachlorocyclohexane and mirex, had a 30-70% increased risk of endometriosis.
Today, these chemicals can still be found in some dairy products, fatty foods and some fish.
Natural Treatments To Fight Endometriosis
Reduce Estrogen: Excess fat can lead to increased estrogen production and availability in the body. This increase in hormones often influences the endometrial tissue and intensifies pain and bleeding. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding excess sources of estrogenic compounds can help alleviate symptoms. This includes reducing exposure to things like PCBs and BPA found in plastic and packaging materials.
Reduce Stress: Studies show that women with endometriosis are often found to have elevated levels of stress. Modifying this stress with physical activity and focusing on emotional health led to improved quality of life. Meditation, working out or even a hobby like painting, can also be stress relievers
Use Omega-3′s: Research also suggests that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids was linked to a lowered risk of endometriosis. Foods that are high in Omega-3's are flax seeds, tofu, salmon, and soybeans.
Try Acupunture: One study showed that women reported significant relief of painful periods and pelvic pain after acupuncture sessions. Be sure to find someone who is familiar with or an expert in treating endometriosis patients.
Add Turmeric: This spice doubles as an active medicine which continues to show widespread anti-inflammatory benefits in many disease processes. Consider adding a little turmeric to your diet. It can be taken in capsule form, or even added to a recipe or even sprinkled on your meals or in your drink.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Endometriosis center for more articles.
