Managing Endometriosis flare-ups

Living day to day with endometriosis is bad enough, but the dread of a flare up is like no other, says our Co-Founder Laura. Here we discuss what they are, what causes them and how some of our products may help.

What is an endometriosis flare-up?

An endometriosis flare-up is a period of increased severity of endometriosis, resulting in increased pain and worsened symptoms. Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition, so there are several factors that can increase or trigger inflammation in the body and cause flare-ups.

The symptoms of a flare-up

Symptoms of endometriosis flare-ups are the same as those of endometriosis but are typically much worse. Increased pelvic pain is the most common symptom of an endometriosis flare-up caused by increased inflammation from endometrial lesions. Other symptoms that may occur alongside increased pain during a flare-up can include 

• Painful urination and bowel movements
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Constipation and diarrhea 
• Painful sex

Endometriosis flare-ups can vary in length. For many, hormonal changes trigger flare-ups that occur during the menstrual cycle and can last a few days from the start to the end of menstruation. For others, other factors that cause increased inflammation and last up to several weeks can trigger flare-ups. 

What causes flare-ups?

Though the exact cause of Endometriosis isn’t clear, bodily changes that increase inflammatory processes with endometriosis can trigger flare-ups. You can control some of these triggering factors, while others you cannot. 

Hormonal Changes

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent condition that fluctuating levels of estrogen hormones trigger. The normal hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle often trigger flare-ups

Stress

Like other inflammatory conditions, endometriosis is associated with high levels of chronic stress. Researchers believe that high amounts of stress are associated with increased pain severity and duration of symptoms due to increased inflammation throughout the body

Lack of Sleep

Lack of sleep commonly results from endometriosis because the pain it causes can make falling asleep difficult. In turn, sleep disruption can weaken the immune system, causing an increase in inflammatory processes. This increased inflammation can then stimulate more pain, resulting in an ongoing cycle of pain and poor sleep

Alcohol and Caffeine

Alcohol use is often linked to estrogen-dependent conditions because it activates enzymes that increase estrogen levels in the bloodstream. Due to this, alcohol has been associated with an increased risk of endometriosis. Long-term alcohol use also impairs the functioning of the immune system, which increases the risk of developing inflammatory diseases

Though there is no specific evidence that suggests caffeine increases the risk of endometriosis flare-ups, caffeine is a known contributing factor to the development of hormone-dependent conditions. Because endometriosis is triggered by changing levels of estrogen, it is possible that caffeine use, in combination with other triggers, can worsen symptoms of endometriosis

Inflammatory Foods

Inflammatory foods, such as those that are heavily processed with artificial colors, flavors, high amounts of sugar, and refined seed oils, are known to increase inflammation throughout the body, which can lead to the worsening of endometriosis symptoms. Anti-inflammatory foods and supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin from turmeric, and green tea are currently undergoing studies for their potential use in decreasing pain from endometriosis

Identifying your triggers 

Identifying what triggers your flare-ups is important for managing your condition, reducing pain and other symptoms. Keeping a journal of your symptoms including how long they last, and keeping note about your lifestyle habits can help. Include diet, exercise, alcohol use, sleep quality, and stress levels. 

When you look back over the journal, you may notice common things around times of flare-ups. If you can identify and avoid triggers, you can help manage and reduce the amount of flares. This may include making certain lifestyle changes or learning ways to manage stress effectively. 

Managing your symptoms

Pain from endometriosis can be severe and debilitating. Current treatment for endometriosis includes pain-relief and/or hormone-suppressing medications and surgery. But sometimes, these methods aren’t enough to alleviate pain.

Self-care methods may help reduce your pain and manage your symptoms in addition to medical treatment. These include methods like using a heating pad or taking a warm bath, finding ways to manage stress, and exercising. 

CBD for flare-ups

3 of our products could really help support the pain that comes with a flare-up.

Moment Balm  - CBD Soothe Balm

Soothe Balm

Our soothing Moment Balm is 300mg CBD Balm. It is a self-heating twist balm to help with symptoms of Endometriosis and female health conditions

Soothe Balm can…

+ soothe painful cramps

+ relax muscles + joints

+ reduce inflammation

+ Anti-fungal properties, to soothe skin

Moment Melt

Our 100mg CBD Bath Melt is the perfect bath time treat to soothe, nourish, and relax.

Bath melt can…

+ Soothe painful cramps

+ Promotes calm + relaxation

+ Cleanses pores + heals  skin

+ Adds moisture + nourishment

 

Temple Moment

 

CBD Temple Roller

Beautifully scented CBD temple roller to promote a dreamy sleep and ease tension away from the temples. to help with symptoms of Endometriosis and female health conditions

Temple moment can…

+ ease night-time anxiety

+ promote relaxation

+ calm hot flushes

+ balance hormones

+ promote rest +  sleep

+ calms headaches