Women with endometriosis often use many drugs in an attempt to reduce the pain associated with the condition.
In relation to endometriosis, certain drugs such as painkillers are processed in the liver.
The liver also plays a crucial role in maintaining hormonal balance, particularly the female hormone estrogen. The liver eliminates excess estrogen. So if it does not function properly, it may not be able to remove estrogen effectively. This may result in excess estrogen in the blood. Since endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disorder, this may have a detrimental effect on disease symptoms, such as:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Mood stability
- Increased lesion growth
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Enhanced nerve sensitivity and more
Think of your liver as your body’s most dedicated gardener. It’s responsible for weeding out what no longer serves you, including the excess estrogen that can make endo symptoms flare. When the liver is overwhelmed by processing heavy medications or environmental toxins, it can’t clear estrogen effectively. This backup acts like fertilizer for the condition, potentially leading to heavier cycles, increased lesion growth, and that all-consuming pelvic pain.
Managing endometriosis involves lifestyle strategies that reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and support hormonal and liver health. Beyond exercise and sleep, diet is a primary pillar of treatment.
To give your body the best defense, prioritise a diet that achieves the following:
- Ensure that the diet has more protein, omega- 3 and fiber
- Add foods containing phytonutrients (natural bioactive compounds produced by plants. When consumed, these compounds provide significant health benefits to humans) such as leafy green vegetables; berries; and seeds such as flaxseed.
- Consume broccoli sprouts as they contain up to 50 times more sulforaphane (a liver-booster) than mature broccoli.
- Hydrate with lemon: start your day with warm water and lemon. It stimulates bile production, which is the "train" that carries metabolised estrogen out of the liver.
- Minimise alcohol: alcohol competes with estrogen for the same liver enzymes. When you drink, the liver prioritises the alcohol and estrogen levels spike as a result
Explore more dietary strategies for endometriosis here
Learn more about liver health here
