Login
Register
Blog
Self-Care to Combat Endometriosis Symptoms
Self Care for Endometriosis | Image Courtesy of Callum Shaw via Unsplash

Self-Care and Self-Management Strategies to Combat Endometriosis Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Since March of 2020, people living with endometriosis symptoms are facing tough challenges and barriers due to the Covid-19 pandemic: canceled surgeries, canceled appointments with family physicians, gynecologists, fertility specialists and/or other allied healthcare providers, postponed in-office assessments and visits, and changes in overall work environment and social activities. This can worsen feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and have a negative impact on self-reported pain and disability levels during this time. 

How you respond or adapt to a stressor or illness depends on how you think about the situation, the actions you take, and behaviors or changes you implement in response to the demand of the situation. This problem-focused strategy for understanding response to stress and illness explains that problem-solving, information-seeking, acceptance, seeking support, and planning, allow one to more effectively cope with the ongoing stresses of living with endometriosis symptoms in light of added challenges due to the pandemic (Kvillemo and Bränström (2014)).

On the other hand, coping strategies that are maladaptive (focus attention away from thoughts and feelings about endometriosis, such as denial, substance use, and self-blame) are likely to heighten feelings of being out of control and feeling distress. A study by Donatti et al. in 2017 found that people with endometriosis who take a positive, problem-focused approach report lower stress levels, have less depressive symptoms, report less non-cyclical pelvic pain and less painful periods than those with endometriosis who use maladaptive coping strategies (avoidance, substance-abuse, denial for example). 

While medical and surgical management of pain and associated endometriosis symptoms can be effective, it is not a cure-all, and to date, there is no cure for endometriosis. When facing endometriosis symptoms, learning and implementing positive self-management and self-care strategies to manage stress, pain, and changes in work/life/ social environments is key, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Read on to learn about these strategies and how to start implementing them. 

Self-Care & Self-Management Strategies for Endometriosis Symptoms 

1. Manage Work / School Schedules: 

Be honest with employers, professors, or teachers about anticipated and possibly unanticipated episodes of pain. Discuss modifications of work/school obligations during times of pain exacerbation, if appropriate.

2. Maintain safe social activities and social support during times of necessary isolation:

  1. link up with friends, family, and/or colleagues via messaging, video chats.
  2. When safe to do so, participate in Covid-Friendly meet-ups such as outdoors at a park or backyard, and with masking precautions. 
  3. Consider joining a support group such as these virtual groups found here.

3.Educate yourself to gain control over endometriosis symptoms:

Learn about endometriosis, treatment and management options, how to find providers with experience caring for people living with endo, and explore resources on how to optimize your quality of life, physical well-being, pain management, and mental health. Below you will find a few key resources, but this list is by no means exhaustive: 

  1. Support Groups: https://www.pelvicpain.org/public/resources/support-groups 
  2. Support Groups: https://nancysnookendo.com/resources/ 
  3. Find a Healthcare Provider: https://app.v1.statusplus.net/membership/provider/index?society=ipps
  4. Read the book Beating Endo: How to Reclaim Your Life From Endometriosis, written by two of the world’s experts on endometriosis: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beating-endo-iris-orbuch-md-md/1130636804  

4. Sleep Hygiene:

Get at least 7-8 hours nightly. This is key to managing stress, supporting optimal immune system function, and to help manage pain levels. 

If you find it tough to peel yourself away from the TV at night, or you have a habit of checking work emails in bed before sleep, I encourage you to start “winding down” (avoid using electronics like the phone, TV, your tablet) at least 60-minutes before bedtime. Instead, you can listen to some soothing music, meditate, do some gentle stretching or diaphragmatic breathing. Your body and mind will thank you for it. 

5. Exercise:

Maintain a regular schedule of light to moderate physical activity (find something you enjoy) to help manage pain levels, improve mood, decrease stress, decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve blood flow, and maintain optimal immune system functioning. Exercise has also been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect which can help improve symptoms of endo too.

If you are unsure which type of physical activity or exercise is right for you, please reach out to a pelvic floor/women’s health physical therapist with experience treating patients with endometriosis symptoms and pelvic pain conditions. 

6. Establish and maintain a regular Mindfulness/ Meditation Practice:

Evidence shows that people with pelvic pain or chronic pain that practice regular (daily) mindfulness or meditation practices report better pain control, better quality of life, and decreased disability levels.

There are many apps accessible for free or available on a subscription basis: 

  1.  Insight TimerI personally use Insight Timer App. It has a free and subscription option. I recommend guided meditations/ mindfulness focused on progressive muscle relaxation, deep sleep meditations, sound healing, stress management, setting boundaries. 
  2. Headspace: Free trial versions available
  3. CalmFree trial versions available
  4. Aura.

7. Heating pad / cold pack: 

These alter blood flow and nerve conduction time and therefore can have a positive impact on endometriosis symptoms including cramping and pelvic pain. 

8. Pelvic floor self-myofascial release, pelvic floor relaxation exercises, and nervous system down-regulation techniques. 

If you are unsure about these techniques, consult with a pelvic floor physical therapist. We are trained to treat pain associated with muscle, fascia, joint, and nerve-related symptoms due to endo or other chronic pain conditions. Your pelvic floor physical therapist will teach you self-management and activity modifications as well. 

9. Endocannabinoids (CBD) tincture, capsules, topical creams, or vaginal suppositories for managing pelvic pain:

The female reproductive system has high concentrations of cannabinoid receptors. CBD has been shown to reduce symptoms of muscle cramping and pelvic pain. Read more about it here: https://nancysnookendo.com/endocannabinoids-and-endometriosis/

Important note: if you are trying to conceive, think you may be pregnant, or going through any fertility treatments, you need to discuss the risk of use of CBD with your medical provider. 

A few products that I would recommend: 


Diet modification:

Consider trialing modifications in your diet. Possible considerations include: anti-inflammatory diet; gluten-free diet; low FODMAP diet. People with endometriosis symptoms often have GI symptoms or conditions such as SIBO or H. Pylori, bloating, gas, constipation/loose stools, straining with bowel movements and/or food allergies/intolerances. 

Important note: If you have an eating disorder or history of an eating disorder, you should consult with a registered dietician or nutritionist first before eliminating foods from your diet. 

If you are living with endometriosis symptoms, don’t let the pandemic derail your quality of life or mental health. If you have endometriosis or think you may have endometriosis symptoms, these resources mentioned here, in addition to having a good team of providers to support you is key!  Contact us to discuss your options.

Additional Sources:

Leonardi M, Horne AW, Vincent K, et al. Self-management strategies to consider to combat endometriosis symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hum Reprod Open. 2020;2020(2):hoaa028. Published 2020 Jun 1. doi:10.1093/hropen/hoaa028 ​​https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7263080/pdf/hoaa028.pdf 

Kvillemo P, Bra ̈nstro ̈m R. Coping with breast cancer: a meta-analysis. PLoS One 2014;9:1–26.

Donatti L, Ramos DG, Andres M de P, Passman LJ, Podgaec S. Patients with endometriosis symptoms using positive coping strategies have less depression, stress and pelvic pain. Einstein (Sao Paulo) 2017; 15:65–70.

What Our Patients Have to Say

Prev
Next

Testimonial by Jackie W.

I was in multiple car accidents a decade ago, and I have been to many physical therapists through the years without success. They found the root of my lower back pain problems and after nearly a decade of barely being able to walk I finally can again without pain. They are also the best pelvic floor pts and the only ones who found the connection between my pelvic floor and lower back problems. If you need help with physical pain, they are your answer.

-- Jackie W., 1/19/17 via Yelp!

Testimonial by A.B.

Before I was referred to Heather Jeffcoat I was living in a nightmare. I had been married to my husband for three years and I was suffering from Vaginismus. That all changed when I visited my OBGYN and she said she knew of someone with a great success rate. To be honest I was hesitant at first because my first doctor had already told me that all I needed to do was order dilators from the internet and I should overcome my problem. She was wrong because I had followed the book on how to use the dilators with absolutely no advancements in my condition. However, that all changed when I went in for my first visit and Heather took the time to explain my condition and how we were going to work together to overcome it.

I remember leaving her office with a glimmer of hope that I could live a normal life. As my sessions continued I began to see immediate results. With only four sessions and a strict dedication to my home programs I was cured of Vaginismus. In the beginning of this process I was made aware that my health insurance company might not cover the costs, which was disappointing but today I can say one hundred percent that it was the best money I ever spent. Now thanks to Heather I am finally enjoying my life to the fullest with my husband. Thank you Heather, I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate all that you have done for me. I will never forget it. Those who are suffering from these types of conditions don’t be afraid because she makes you feel so comfortable and the end result is worth it. Good luck to you all and I hope you experience the success I have.
-- A.B.

Testimonial by S.H., age 24

I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me for the past 19 months. I literally could not have reached my goals without you and your practice. You gave me the courage to keep moving forth with my treatment no matter how afraid and anxious I was. You were always there to answer questions and made this whole process so much easier than I expected it to be.

It's because of you that my marriage is on the right track, that I can get pregnant and that this part of my life is finally over. I really feel that Fusion Wellness is a team of people you can call family and are there to root for you and cheer you on until you reach your goals. There is nothing better than knowing I accomplished this with you guys by my side and as calmly and patiently as I needed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for always being there and helping me reach my goals.

S.H., age 24

Testimonial by Ann V.

I wish i could give this place 10 stars!! 
I have been suffering from vaginismus for 5 years and never found the cure to it. I had seen an ob/gyn and he diagnosed me with vaginismus and told me i needed a surgery to cure my condition, which i refused to do. He also referred me to a PT that he works with, i had given them multiple calls and they never responded back to me, so i started searching yelp for another PT. I am SO HAPPY I found Heather's office! I was working with Laureen, and with her guidance and techniques i was able to be cured from vaginismus in only 2 1/2 short months!!! I couldn't believe how quickly their program worked for me! I am forever grateful and thankful from Heather, and Laureen! They are the absolute best at what they do!

Read more: Testimonial by Ann V.

Testimonial by Ann V.

I wish i could give this place 10 stars!! 
I have been suffering from vaginismus for 5 years and never found the cure to it. I had seen an ob/gyn and he diagnosed me with vaginismus and told me i needed a surgery to cure my condition, which i refused to do. He also referred me to a PT that he works with, i had given them multiple calls and they never responded back to me, so i started searching yelp for another PT. I am SO HAPPY I found Heather's office! I was working with Laureen, and with her guidance and techniques i was able to be cured from vaginismus in only 2 1/2 short months!!! I couldn't believe how quickly their program worked for me! I am forever grateful and thankful from Heather, and Laureen! They are the absolute best at what they do!

Read more: Testimonial by Ann V.

Testimonial by R.D., age 38

"I had a severe tear during childbirth that was not stitched together correctly and therefore healed poorly. Even after having a surgery a year later to remove the scar tissue, I was still having pain, and no one could explain why -- there was no overt 'reason' to explain the pain. I had tried other 'specialists' and even saw another physical therapist who had me do hip / leg stretches -- what a joke! I was about to give up and just 'live with it' until thankfully I kept searching online and found Heather.

Read more: Testimonial by R.D., age 38

Our
Locations

Beverly Hills:

9012 Burton Way
Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Telephone: (310) 871-9554

The Beverly Hills office is convenient to Mid-Wilshire, West Hollywood, Hollywood, Beverlywood, Korea Town, Downtown LA, Culver City, Century City, Santa Monica and Malibu.

Hours:

Monday 12:00-5:00
Tuesday 7:00-6:00
Wednesday CALL
Thursday 2:00-6:00
Friday 7:00-6:00

Pasadena:

350 S. Lake Avenue #220
Pasadena, Ca 91101

Telephone: (818) 873-1403

Our Pasadena location is convenient to Glendale, Montrose, Burbank, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Atwater Village, and Eagle Rock.

Hours:

Monday 7:00-6:00
Tuesday 7:00-4:00
Wednesday CALL
Thursday 7:00-4:00
Friday CALL

Sherman Oaks:

13425 Ventura Blvd. Suite 200
Sherman Oaks, California 91423

Telephone: (818) 877-6910

The Sherman Oaks office is adjacent to Studio City and serves the Bel Air, Brentwood, West LA, Mulholland, Beverly Hills, Encino, Calabasas and San Fernando Valley area.

Hours:

Monday 7:30-6:00
Tuesday 7:00-6:00
Wednesday 7:00-6:00
Thursday 8:00-6:00
Friday 7:00-6:00