Holistic treatment of endometriosis

Abstract

The pain phenomena caused by endometriosis are manifold. In addition to nociceptive pain there is also anociplastic reaction with central sensitization. Atypical symptoms, such as acyclic lower abdominal pain, radiating pain, nonspecific bladder and intestinal complaints or even depression increasingly occur in addition to the classical cyclic complaints, such as severe dysmenorrhea, cyclic lower abdominal pain, dyspareunia, dysuria and dyschezia. Due to the diffuse range of symptoms, affected patients often consult not just gynecologists but also specialists from other disciplines (internal medicine, gastroenterology, orthopedics, pain therapy, psychology etc.). The complexity of endometriosis is presented. The resulting approaches to multimodal interdisciplinary holistic treatment are described. Interdisciplinary concepts should be involved in the optimal treatment of endometriosis patients along with hormonal and surgical treatment, mostly under the supervision of agynecologist and pain management, dietary changes, psychological support and physiotherapeutic management should also be included. This article provides an overview of possible treatment strategies for chronic symptomatic endometriosis. Based on multimodal treatment strategies and regarding the complex pathophysiological alterations of this disease, the complex complaints that significantly impair the quality of life of endometriosis patients can be greatly improved.