01 Oct Endometriosis
Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 Australian women of reproductive age.
Endometriosis is a gynecological condition where endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterine cavity, usually around the pelvis. The human body can’t remove this tissue growth, so with every menstrual cycle, scar tissue forms through associated hormone release.
Endometriosis causes a wide range of symptoms including chronic pelvic and lower back pain, dysmenorrhea, inflammation, cramping and bloating, significantly effecting the patient’s health and quality of life. Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person.
There is currently no known cause for endometriosis, however we do know that endometriosis is fuelled by the hormone oestrogen.
How can exercise help endometriosis?
Exercise is prescribed to assist with symptom management;
- Exercise can reduce pain and discomfort caused from maladaptive postures and muscle guarding.
- Regular physical exercise can have protective effects against diseases like endometriosis that involve inflammatory processes.
- Exercise causes an increase of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant markers within the body.
- Exercise also acts to reduce oestrogen levels.
- Exercise may reduce pain and discomfort caused from maladaptive postures and muscle guarding (ESSA, 2018).
It’s always recommended to work with a professional such as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. For more advice and a tailored exercise program to suit your needs make a time with our Accredited Exercise Physiologist Bec Ryan-Mills.
Written by Bec Ryan Mills.
