The Truth About Endometriosis: What You’re Not Being Told (and What You Can Do About It)
If you’ve been told endometriosis is just "bad periods" or that your only options are birth control or surgery, I want you to know: there is so much more to the story—and it’s time you heard it.
In our recent 3-part Endometriosis Deep Dive podcast series, we unpacked the truth about this misunderstood condition. We covered the real root causes, the reasons so many women are misdiagnosed, and most importantly—what you can do to support your body naturally.
Whether you’ve been officially diagnosed, suspect you may have endo, or are just looking to better understand your body, this blog post will walk you through some of the most powerful insights from the series.
🌿 Part 1: Symptoms, Diagnosis & The Long Road to Answers
Endometriosis is a whole-body inflammatory and immune condition—not just a reproductive or hormonal issue. In Part 1, we talked about:
The full range of endo symptoms: Endometriosis isn’t just painful periods—it can show up as fatigue, bloating, chronic back or leg pain, painful sex, IBS-like symptoms, urinary frequency, and infertility. Many women suffer silently because they don’t realize these symptoms are connected.
How endo can affect organs outside the uterus: Endo lesions have been found in the bowel, bladder, diaphragm, and even lungs. It’s not just a reproductive issue—it’s a systemic condition.
Why it takes most women 7–13 years to get diagnosed: Pain is often normalized from a young age. Many are told it’s “just part of being a woman” or prescribed the pill without investigating the root cause.
The difference between excision and ablation surgery: Ablation burns the surface of the lesions, often leaving behind deep infiltrating tissue. Excision removes endo from the root and allows for proper pathology. We explain why excision is the gold standard.
Why surgery alone isn’t always enough for long-term relief: Even with excision, inflammation, immune dysfunction, and toxin load need to be addressed for true healing.
The importance of finding providers who believe you: Your experience matters. Too many women are dismissed, misdiagnosed, or made to feel like their pain isn’t real. Advocacy is a crucial part of the journey.
🎧 Listen to Part 1 here → Endometriosis Deep Dive Part 1
🧪 Part 2: Root Causes, Environmental Triggers & Toxin Burden
In Part 2, we went deep into what’s actually fueling endo beneath the surface. This episode explores how toxins, heavy metals, gut pathogens, and immune dysregulation all contribute to the development and progression of endometriosis.
Why retrograde menstruation is not the cause: While often cited as the root cause, retrograde menstruation (where menstrual blood flows backward into the pelvic cavity) occurs in 90% of women—yet not all develop endo. This points to a deeper immune issue.
How xenoestrogens mimic estrogen and worsen symptoms: Chemicals like BPA and phthalates disrupt hormonal balance, stimulate endo lesion growth, and overload detox pathways. These are found in plastics, receipts, cosmetics, and household items.
The effects of heavy metals: Cadmium (from cigarette smoke and processed foods), arsenic (often in water and rice), and mercury (from dental fillings and fish) impair detoxification, act as estrogen mimics, and suppress immune function, making it harder for the body to manage endo.
The impact of mycotoxins from mold exposure: These fungal toxins suppress immune response, damage the gut lining, and elevate inflammation. Zearalenone (ZEN), a specific mycotoxin, mimics estrogen and has been shown to stimulate endo tissue growth.
The role of beta-glucuronidase and LPS: Beta-glucuronidase, produced by certain gut bacteria, recycles estrogen that the liver is trying to excrete, while lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from gram-negative bacteria trigger inflammatory responses in the immune system.
Why detoxification pathways matter: When the liver, lymph, and gut aren’t functioning well, the body can’t clear excess hormones or toxins. This creates a vicious cycle of inflammation and symptom flares, even in women eating clean and taking supplements.
🎧 Listen to Part 2 here → Endometriosis Deep Dive 2
💛 Part 3: Healing Strategies, Nervous System Support & Root-Cause Care
This episode is your roadmap for real, sustainable healing. Instead of chasing symptoms, we shift into supporting the terrain of your body—healing the environment where endo develops and thrives.
How to build an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense diet: We recommend focusing on high-quality protein, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich vegetables. Blood sugar regulation is key to calming systemic inflammation.
Why hydration + minerals are essential: Proper hydration supports blood flow, liver detox, and cellular function. Adding minerals like magnesium, sodium, and potassium supports hormone production and energy levels.
The power of nervous system regulation: Chronic pain keeps the body in fight-or-flight mode. Practices like breathwork, vagus nerve stimulation, somatic work, and emotional release calm the nervous system and promote healing.
The importance of daily rituals for lymphatic flow: Tools like castor oil packs, dry brushing, gentle rebounding, and red light therapy help reduce stagnation and move toxins out of tissues.
Functional testing to uncover your root causes: We discuss tests like the DUTCH hormone panel, GI-MAP stool testing, mycotoxin panels, and heavy metal analysis to guide personalized treatment.
Building a care team that gets it: From excision surgeons to pelvic floor PTs to mold-literate and trauma-informed practitioners—healing is never one-size-fits-all.
A mindset shift: You’re not broken. Your body is responding appropriately to overwhelm. With the right support, your system can reset, and healing becomes possible.
🎧 Listen to Part 3 here → Endometriosis Deep Dive 3
📈 Final Thoughts: It’s Time for a New Conversation
We need a new approach to endometriosis. One that recognizes it as a whole-body condition and supports women in a truly holistic, compassionate, and evidence-informed way.
Whether you’re preparing for surgery, trying to conceive, or searching for answers—there is hope. And there are real tools that can make a difference.
If you're ready for personalized, root-cause care, we’re here to support you.
Michelle Tierney, our fertility team lead, complex illness specialist, and guest host on our Endometriosis Deep Dive podcast series, has just started offering new complimentary consult calls! ✨ Book your discovery call with Michelle here and take the next step toward understanding your body and your healing options.
📘 Download our free Endometriosis Surgery Guidebook here!
You deserve to feel better. You deserve to be heard. And you deserve more than symptom management.
Let’s walk this healing path together. 💛