This article and protocol are for informational purposes only, and not intended as medical advice. Please read the medical disclaimer below, and consult with your personal physician prior to taking supplements or acting upon any information within this article or protocol, or found on the Dr. Ladd VIP website.

Discussion

Endometriosis is the abnormal location of endometrial glands outside the cavity of the uterus.  Endometrial glands normally line the inner wall of the uterus, where they form the lining for implantation of the fertilized ovum. When a woman has endometriosis, the glands are often abnormally located throughout the pelvis, on the outer wall of the uterus, the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, bowel, and bladder.  However, the glands can be located throughout the peritoneal cavity (abdomen), and rarely beyond the peritoneal cavity, literally anywhere in the body.

Oxidation and Inflammation Causes Scarring and Pain

The abnormal location of these hormone-sensitive glands can lead to chronic pain from scarring, which can be worsened on a cyclical basis due to hormone fluctuations. Oxidation and inflammation is caused by endometriosis, and the more oxidation and inflammation, the worse the endometriosis and pain from endometriosis. (1) Furthermore, the inflammation also leads to scarring of the Fallopian tubes, ovaries, bowels, and peritoneal lining (inner abdominal wall).

Scarring can lead to tubal occlusion and infertility, since the sperm and egg either cannot meet, or the fertilize egg cannot pass down to the uterus. Ectopic (or tubal) pregnancies are common with tubal scarring. Even without blocked tubes, endometriosis causes inflammation, which in itself causes micro-blockages of debris that prevents sperm being able to fertilize the egg. In other words, endometriosis is a common cause of infertility.

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a type of endometriosis that is located in the uterine muscle wall. Endometrial glands normally line the inside wall of the uterus. However, when the endometrial glands are deeply embedded in the uterine muscle, the glands are unable to expel blood into the uterine cavity, and the glands engorge, causing inflammation, pain, and uterine cramping. This also is a common cause for deep pelvic pain with intercourse, as the uterus is always sensitive.

Adenomyosis is suspected when a woman has severe menstrual cramps, pain with deep penetration with sexual intercourse.  Digital vaginal examination will reveal the uterus to be very tender to movement.  Although this condition can be highly suspected with a history and medical examination, there is definite way to diagnose adenomyosis until after a hysterectomy is done, and the tissue can be examined under the microscope.  That is not to say this needs to be the treatment for adenomyosis. Treatment can be based upon suspected adenomyosis.

With both endometriosis and adenomyosis, which usually co-exist, endometrial glands, which normally line the uterine cavity, are located outside of their normal anatomical location. Each month, just as the glands that line the uterus respond to the normal rise of estrogen, so to do all the abnormally-located endometrial glands. All endometrial glands engorge and inflame.

Antioxidants Neutralize Oxidation and Inflammation and Reduce Pain and Endometriosis

Endometriosis glands inflame, and with oxidation and inflammation there is pain and scarring. It is upon this basis that my protocol uses high doses of antioxidants, particularly grape seed extract.

Medical studies have shown that women with endometriosis who consume a high antioxidant diet experience less pelvic pain. (2) Furthermore, several antioxidants, including vitamin A, C, E, and D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) are all associated with a reduction in endometriosis, as well as a reduction in pain. (3 – 6) In addition, a combination of antioxidants, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, alpha lipoic acid, and bromelain have been shown to reduce endometriosis. (7) These micronutrients are provided in a liver support supplement, as well as a vitamin-antioxidant.

Flavonoids: Grape Seed Extract, Resveratrol, Curcumin, and Quercetin 

Grape seed extract and resveratrol, both from the red grape are powerful flavonoids that have been shown to reduce endometriosis, as well as quercetin. (8 – 10) Another powerful flavonoid antioxidant, curcumin, also known as turmeric extract, has been shown in several studies to have the same effect- a reduction in endometriosis and a reduction pelvic pain, as well as improvement in fertility. (11, 12)

Soy Isoflavones

Soy isoflavones are phytoestrogens. They are not like estrogen produced by the body, but they connect with estrogen receptors. They do not increase the risk for breast cancer, and they do not increase endometriosis. In fact, they have been found to reduce endometriosis and pain from endometriosis. (13, 14) That is why a “women’s menopausal formula” that provides soy and red clover isoflavones is part of the endometriosis protocol.

Melatonin

Melatonin, a hormone usually used to aid with sleep, is a powerful antioxidant. It has many benefits in the brain and throughout the body. It crosses the mitochondrial membrane to neutralize the hydroxyl radical, and maintain function of mitochondria. Furthermore, melatonin has been shown to cause a reduction of endometriosis and pain from endometriosis, which is why it is in my protocol below. (15, 16)

Personal Medical Practice Experience

In my medical practice, I helped many patients with endometriosis who were suffering with pelvic pain with or without infertility. I often had to do laser laparoscopic surgery to get rid of scar tissue, and then I placed them on the supplement protocol (below), to help reduce the recurrence of scar tissue. In really bad cases, some patients had to go on Depo Lupron to go into a temporary menopause, so that their estrogen levels would be so low that the endometriosis would “dry up,” and then I could either do surgery, or continue on the protocol.  (I never stopped the supplement protocol; it did not matter if they were on the Depo Lupron or not.) If they were on the Depo Lupron, I definitely encouraged the soy isoflavones to reduce menopausal symptoms (hot flashes).

I saw many women who were told that their endometriosis was so bad that they would never have a chance of having a baby. They were told their tubes were scarred off, and there was no way to conceive without in vitro fertilization. Although that might have been true, I had several women who were able to conceive after 6 to 8 months of being on the Advanced supplement protocol. I cannot claim that this will be all women’s experience, but I saw this enough to know that along with other treatments the doctors provide, that the quality supplements are something to definitely consider.

Conclusion

It is clear that oxidation and inflammation is associated with endometriosis, and leads to pain and scarring, as well as infertility. Vitamin, minerals, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) have all been shown to improve health, including reducing the severity of endometriosis and occurrence of pain associated with endometriosis. Furthermore, micronutrients are also associated with increased conception and fertility rates.

Protocol for Endometriosis & Adenomyosis

Please read the medical disclaimer below, and please consult your personal health care provider prior to acting upon the information provided in this article, protocol, or website. 

Minimal Protocol for Endometriosis or Adenomyosis

Basic Protocol for Endometriosis or Adenomyosis

Average Protocol for Endometriosis or Adenomyosis

Advanced Protocol for Endometriosis or Adenomyosis

• AM: With, or after breakfast
• Noon: At lunchtime with food, or shortly thereafter
• PM: Late afternoon with food, or at, or after dinner
• Please see my list of ingredients (below) that I like to see provided by a foundational vitamin and mineral supplement.
• Women’s Menopausal Support Formula is NOT only for menopausal women, but can safely be used at any age. it can be used for PMS and Endometriosis. The formula should provide soy and red clover isoflavones, licorice root extract, and flaxseed extract.
• Liver support supplement that provides numerous ingredients, including N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC), turmeric extract (curcumin), green tea extract, olive extract, broccoli extract, alpha lipoic acid, milk thistle extract, and biotin.
• Probiotics, at least take 12 billion colony-forming bacteria, providing Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG® and Bifidobacterium BB12®, every other day or daily.

Ingredients that I like to see provided collectively by vitamin-antioxidant & chelated mineral tablets

Vitamin A, mostly as Beta Carotene
Vitamin C
Vitamin D3
Vitamin E
Vitamin K (K1 & K2)
B-Complex Vitamins
Curcumin (turmeric extract)
Quercetin
Green Tea Extract
Olive Extract
Rutin
Resveratrol
Choline
Lutein
Lycopene
N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC)
Calcium
Magnesium
Iodine (as potassium iodide)
Zinc
Selenium
Copper
Manganese
Chromium
Molybdenum
Including Ultra Trace Minerals

Medical Disclaimer

Information on this website, written, spoken, or in any other communication by Dr. Ladd McNamara or any other information or reference is for informational purposes only. The information provided on this website is a result of years of practice, experience, and study by the author. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by someone’s personal licensed physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information on this website, or any other form of communication from Dr. Ladd McNamara or the Dr. Ladd VIP Program, for diagnosing or treatment of a health issue or disease, or for the prescribing of medication or the use of supplementation without a discussion with your licensed health professional first. At best, the information provided on this website is only meant to supplement information provided by your own doctor or health professional, not to replace medical advice. The information from this website is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or possible adverse effects of nutritional supplements with or without medications, or in conjunction with specific medical conditions. The information from this website may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay seeking medical care or disregard advice from your health care professional because of information you have received directly or indirectly from this website, from the Dr. Ladd VIP Program, or from Dr. Ladd McNamara himself. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication or embarking on a nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement program, or before using any treatment for a health concern. If you have, or suspect that you have, a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read or heard on this website, or due to any other information from Dr. Ladd McNamara or his representatives. Information provided on this website or the V.I.P. Program, and the use of any products or services mentioned on this website (or as a result of information provided this program, article, or website) by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Ladd McNamara, M.D. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

1. Amreen S, et al. Evaluation of Oxidative Stress and Severity of Endometriosis. J Hum Reprod Sci. 2019 Jan-Mar;12(1):40–46.
2. Mier-Cabrera J, et al. Women with endometriosis improved their peripheral antioxidant markers after the application of a high antioxidant diet. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2009;7:54.
3. Yamagata Y, et al. Retinoic acid has the potential to suppress endometriosis development. J Ovarian Res. 2015;8:49.
4. Santanam N, et al. Antioxidant Supplementation Reduces Endometriosis Related Pelvic Pain in Humans. Transl Res. 2013 Mar;161(3):189–195.
5. Harris HR, et al. Dairy-Food, Calcium, Magnesium, and Vitamin D Intake and Endometriosis: A Prospective Cohort Study. Am J Epidemiol. 2013 Mar 1;177(5):420–430.
6. Herington, JL, et al. Dietary fish oil supplementation inhibits formation of endometriosis-associated adhesions in a chimeric mouse model. Fertil Steril. 2013 Feb;99(2):543–550.e1.
7. Agostinis C, et al. The Combination of N-Acetyl Cysteine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, and Bromelain Shows High Anti-Inflammatory Properties in Novel In Vivo and In Vitro Models of Endometriosis. Mediators Inflamm. 2015; 2015: 918089.
8. Kakaiy A, et al. Comparing protective effect of grape seed extract versus atorvastatin on endometriosis in rat model: Evidence for immunohistochemical and biochemical alterations. Vet Res Forum. 2015 Spring;6(2):101–110.
9. Dull AM, et al. Therapeutic Approaches of Resveratrol on Endometriosis via Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Angiogenic Pathways. Molecules. 2019 Feb; 24(4): 667.
10. Cao Y, et al. Preliminary Study of Quercetin Affecting the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis on Rat Endometriosis Model. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:781684.
11. Hendarto H, et al. Curcumin improves growth factors expression of bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes cultured in peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis. Int J Reprod Biomed (Yazd). 2018 Dec;16(12):ijrm.v16i12.3683.
12. Chowdhury I, et al. Curcumin attenuates proangiogenic and proinflammatory factors in human eutopic endometrial stromal cells through the NF‐κB signaling pathway. J Cell Physiol. 2019 May; 234(5):6298–6312.
13. Sutrisno S, et al. Genistein modulates the estrogen receptor and suppresses angiogenesis and inflammation in the murine model of peritoneal endometriosis. J Tradit Complement Med. 2018 Apr; 8(2): 278–281.
14. Youseflu S, et al. Dietary Phytoestrogen Intake and The Risk of Endometriosis in Iranian Women: A Case-Control Study. Int J Fertil Steril. 2020 Jan-Mar;13(4):296–300.
15. Qi S, et al. Melatonin inhibits 17β-estradiol-induced migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in normal and endometriotic endometrial epithelial cells. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2018; 16: 62.
16. Çetinkaya Kocadal N, et al. Melatonin treatment results in regression of endometriotic lesions in an ooferectomized rat endometriosis model. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc. 2013; 14(2): 81–86.

All materials on this website, written, audio, visual, are copyrighted by Ladd McNamara, Inc., and are not to be distributed, duplicated, shared, posted to another website (including Facebook, etc.), except for under the policies of the Dr. Ladd VIP website.

As a VIP member, you agree that you will NOT share any written, audio, video, or any other proprietary materials from this website with those in your organization, other Associates, or team members. You may share approved materials only with your OWN personal and immediate customers, clients, and potential customers/clients. 

It is unlawful to distribute, share, duplicate, or post any materials from this website to any other website or social media sites, including Facebook.  Any breach of the above policy would result in the loss of your VIP membership without a refund.   

Thank you for your honesty and integrity. 

About the Dr. Ladd VIP Program

There are many more articles on various subjects, as well as videos on health concerns, along with specific nutritional supplement protocols for managing health concerns and disease.  Of course, this is all for informational purposes, and not to be taken as medical advice.  (See medical disclaimer above.)  Please learn more at www.drladdvip.com.

Please read about the benefits of being a Dr. Ladd VIP Member.  It is a subscription-based personal program to better your health, energy, and passion for life, and for helping others. This program includes on-going support for yourself, and as you help customers and clients with your health enterprise.

Do you have a need to understand how NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS can benefit the health of people suffering from any number of chronic diseases; such as Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Arthritis, Dementia, Lyme Disease, Autoimmune Diseases, and Many More!

• • • Do you have a need for SUPPLEMENT PROTOCOLS as to what specific supplement combinations to use?
    • How about WHY SUPPLEMENTS?   How do you chose a QUALITY BRAND?
    • Do you have a need to BETTER ASSIST CUSTOMERS in making a good decision?
    • How about ON-GOING SUPPORT for ON-GOING QUESTIONS?
    • How about YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH, and/or Your PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS?

Happiness and Health includes not only being free of disease, but passionately engaged in a relationship, in life, and in helping others!  It means living with less stress, more fun, and activity.

The Dr. Ladd VIP Program is about Vitality, Intimacy, and Passion, being balanced in all aspects of life, and helping others to get there too.

Please read more at www.drladdvip.com, and take advantage of the Video Courses, the Supplement Protocols, Articles, Downloadable PDFs, and Dr. Ladd VIP Facebook Community and Support.  “Have me in your back pocket” by becoming a VIP  Member Today! 

If you are not a VIP member, please subscribe to my email list.  If you are already a VIP member, no need to subscribe to the email newsletter list.  Thank you.

dr. ladd

Please learn more about the Dr. Ladd VIP program here: www.drladdvip.com.

Please Subscribe to Dr. Ladd’s Email List

Receive health and website updates, as well as information on upcoming FREE health-related webinars.

All information, written or video, is copyrighted by Ladd McNamara, Inc., and is not to be shared, duplicated, or posted to other websites or social media platforms without express permission from Ladd McNamara, M.D.  Thank you.

Dr. Ladd’s V.I.P. Program and Website is Owned and Operated by Ladd R. McNamara, M.D. and Ladd McNamara, Inc., a California corporation.