Endometriosis is finally getting the recognition and research that it deserves.
This painful condition affects 1/10 women globally (according to conservative estimates) and currently symptoms remain overlooked or not taken seriously, which means it takes an average of seven years for a woman to be diagnosed (ugh!).
Helpfully however, scientific research continues to unravel the link between unresolved trauma, stored emotions, and the development or exacerbation of endometriosis in various ways.
Inflammation is the key player here - chronic stress and emotional trauma have been shown to trigger the release of stress hormones, creating an inflammatory environment within the body which can worsen endometriosis symptoms and contribute to the growth and spread of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus.
Now, if you’re thinking “but I don't have any trauma” then I want to make it clear that small, repeated stressors or challenging life experiences can accumulate over time.
These experiences may not be as overtly traumatic as a major event, but their continuous presence can result in a build-up of stress and emotional tension.
The reason this research is SO exciting is because it gives women the opportunity and agency to take control of their health and take steps towards healing, even if they’re being let down by the medical system.
To kickstart healing endometirosis you need somatic exercises. By reducing stress and releasing stored trauma, you can combat the inflammatory response, encourage hormone balance and alleviate tension in the pelvic region.
If you want to get started, check out my Restore Challenge , which includes 30 days of guided somatic work to put your healing on super speed.
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Want to learn more? Check out these resources and read more on The Blog.
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The Connection between Pelvic Pain & Childhood Trauma (article)
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Endometriosis linked to childhood abuse (article)
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Link found between endometriosis and childhood abuse (Harvard article)
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Early life abuse and risk of endometriosis (academic study)
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Repeated Trauma May Cause Endometriosis and Be Key to Understanding Its Behavior (article)