Endometriosis and Your Liver

Women with endometriosis often use many drugs in an attempt to reduce the pain associated with the disease. Over time, they may become dependent on these drugs and experience serious complications due to substance abuse including those affecting the liver.

About the liver

The liver is the site for the body’s metabolic processes. Many toxins enter our bodies from the environment (including what we consume) and the liver helps in filtering out harmful substances from the blood. Additionally, in relation to endometriosis, certain drugs such as for pain are processed in the liver.

The liver also plays a crucial role in maintaining hormonal balance, particularly the female hormone estrogen. The liver eliminates excess estrogen. So if it does not function properly, it may not be able to remove estrogen effectively. This may result in excess estrogen in the blood. Since endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disorder, this may have a detrimental effect on disease symptoms.

How to properly care for your liver?

Taking steps to minimize exposure to environmental toxins can go a long way in keeping your liver functioning at its peak. These include the following:

• Limit exposure to toxins such as chemicals, paints, tobacco, and cleaning solutions.
• Keep a tab on your sugar and cholesterol levels.
• Have a balanced diet with good hydration.
• Limit your alcohol intake and avoid smoking.
• Maintain proper hygiene such as washing hands before eating.
• Practice safe sex to prevent the spread of hepatitis.

Your diet and your liver

Balancing blood sugar is important to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or the buildup of fat in the liver.

Ensure that the diet has more protein and fiber from natural sources relative to the amount of carbohydrates and includes important nutrients such as amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.

An anti-inflammatory diet can also help control the symptoms of endometriosis.

Be careful about cosmetic products

Skincare products and other cosmetic products often contain phthalates that your skin can absorb. These phthalates can have a negative effect on the liver. Choose personal care products that are phthalate-free.

A note of caution about liver detox products

While there exist liver cleanses or ready-made liver detox products, the FDA does not regulate these. They also have not been tested in clinical trials. So it is important to be cautious about such products.

Can endometriosis affect the liver itself?

Endometriosis does not confine itself to the pelvic cavity and can spread to other areas as well including the liver and the upper right quadrant. This is the area that covers the pancreas, right kidney, gallbladder, liver, and intestines. Isolated cases of liver endometriosis are extremely rare.

How do you care for your liver? Please share your tips by leaving a comment on our post on Facebook or Instagram if you wish.