We know living with endometriosis is tough at the best of times. Here are four research-supported things to consider trying for pain relief and emotional support.
*With the giant, and obvious caveat that, we aren’t your doctor and you should definitely check with them when considering making significant lifestyle changes. Ok. Disclaimer complete. Onward!
First, get a good night’s sleep. Studies have stated that the efforts made to improve sleep quality can help with emotional wellbeing. They suggest to start by implementing a regular bed time. If getting to sleep is difficult, consider consulting with your doctor.
Second, and you had to know this was coming, exercise. The review cited below showed that people with endometriosis who tried physical exercise and yoga experienced benefits of emotional coping and found it supported their mental health. In others, they also experienced some relief from painful symptoms! Not to be too on the nose but, you happen to have downloaded an app that can help you on that journey.
Third, the same review recommended taking a look at each individual's diet. The main suggestion was an anti-inflammatory or low FODMAP diets as symptom management strategy.
The fourth and final tip was that people with endometriosis can try forms of heat therapy, ones that give a stable temperature for long durations (8–12 h at a time). Try getting toasty with some stick-on heat patches or a hot water bottle!
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Science, Feminism, and Love.
Leonardi, M., Horne, A. W., Vincent, K., Sinclair, J., Sherman, K. A., Ciccia, D., Condous, G., Johnson, N. P., & Armour, M. (2020). Self-management strategies to consider to combat endometriosis symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Human reproduction open, 2020(2), hoaa028.
