Endometriosis/Adenomyosis

Endometriosis is an often misrepresented condition that affects as many as 10% of women around the globe. Stefani Hayes, ND, LAc, and the team at Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine in Portland, Oregon, take a comprehensive approach to helping you understand and manage endometriosis while supporting your long-term health goals. Endometriosis can impact many aspects of your health, including fertility, digestion, energy, mood, and overall quality of life, so don’t hesitate to call Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine or request an appointment online today to receive personalized endometriosis support.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue (very similar to your uterine lining) grows outside of the uterus. These growths can form on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, bowel, bladder, and other structures within the pelvis. 

This tissue responds to your regular hormonal changes and can contribute to inflammation, scarring, and pain.

Endometriosis is often confused with adenomyosis, a related condition in which endometrial-like tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. You may even experience both at the same time, and all of the heavy periods, pelvic pain, and fertility challenges that come with them.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Symptoms vary significantly from person to person and often include:

• Painful menstrual periods
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Pain during or after intercourse
• Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
• Pain with bowel movements or urination
• Bloating and digestive discomfort
• Constipation, diarrhea, or other digestive symptoms
• Fatigue
• Fertility challenges or difficulty conceiving

Because endometriosis can affect multiple body systems, your symptoms may have been initially mistaken for digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, or other chronic health conditions. Fortunately, Dr. Stefani Hayes is a recognized national expert in endometriosis.

What can I expect from naturopathic care for endometriosis?

Your care at Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine starts with a detailed review of your hormone health, menstrual patterns, digestive function, fertility goals, lifestyle factors, and medical history.

Because digestive symptoms are common in endometriosis, digestive health is often an important part of treatment. Supporting gut function, reducing inflammation, and addressing nutritional deficiencies may help improve overall well-being.

Since there’s also a complex relationship between endometriosis and your immune function, you may benefit from a broader autoimmune care approach that evaluates inflammatory patterns and supports healthy immune system regulation.

The team can also discuss GLP-1 therapies to help your body achieve a healthy balance, provide metabolic support, and reduce inflammation. You may achieve the results you want through traditional dosing or by exploring microdosing approaches as part of your comprehensive treatment plan.

To combat fertility challenges, your plan can include:

• Cycle optimization
• Fertility acupuncture
• Nutritional interventions
• Advanced options such as fertility platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

Endometriosis is a lifelong condition, but with the right support at Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine, you can start seeing meaningful improvements in your quality of life and look forward to even brighter days. Call the office or book your consultation online today.