Endometriosis is a disease affecting many millions of women and teens worldwide and a leading cause of female health problems. This condition causes tissue such as the endometrium (the tissue inside the uterus which is shed each month during menses) to build up outside the lining of the uterus, or in other parts of the uterus or other areas of the body. These implants respond to hormonal commands each month, break down and then bleed. Unlike the endometrium, however, these tissue deposits have no way of leaving the body. The result is internal bleeding, degeneration of blood and tissue shed from the growths, inflammation of the surrounding areas, expression of irritating enzymes and formation of scar tissue. In addition, depending on the location of the growths, interference with the bowel, bladder, intestines and other areas of the pelvic cavity can occur. Endometriosis has even been found in the skin and at other extra-pelvic locations like the arms and legs, and even in the brain.

The symptoms can be very diverse depending on where the implant is located. Symptoms which seem to come and go with the menstrual cycle are suspicious. The implant responds to the same hormonal messages as other uterine tissue, swelling and changing during the cycle. Because symptoms are so inconsistent and non-specific, it can easily masquerade as several other conditions, including adenomyosis, appendicitis, ovarian cysts, bowel obstructions, colon cancer, diverticulitis, fibroid tumors, gonorrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian cancer, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Pain tends to increase with time and begins progressively earlier in each successive menstrual cycle.

Conventional drugs used in the treatment of endometriosis primarily to lower estrogen production include danazol, gestrinone, some gonadorelin analogues (leuprorelin; nafarelin; triptorelin), and some progestogens (dydrogesterone; medroxyprogesterone).

Contrary to common misconceptions about the disease, there is no cure. There are, however, several methods of treatment which may alleviate some of the pain and symptoms.

Phytoestrogens may block or stimulate estrogen receptors, making the condition better or worse. Here is a collection of rules to help prevent excess stimulation.

• Avoid Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, and Beer.
• Avoid Sunflower Seeds, Red Clover Tea, Camomille Tea, Alfalfa Sprouts, Queen Anne's lace, Pomegranate, Fennel,Licorice, Red Clover, Yucca, Hops (Beer) and Motherwort.
• Avoid Phytoestrogens that block and interfere with the action of Natural Progesterone. Avoid Bloodroot, Ocotillo, Mandrake, Oregano, Damiana, Pennyroyal, Verbenna, Nutmeg, Tumeric, Yucca, Thyme, Calamus rt., Red Clover, Goldenseal, Licorice, Mistletoe, Cumin, Fennel, Camomille, Cloves.