Endometriosis is one of the most under-funded, under-researched conditions in the US, yet 7 million American women live with it.

Endometriosis 101

Learn more about why those with endo are more prone to poor gut health.

<p id="isPasted">Author: Jessica Duffin is a a certified health coach specialised in endometriosis and small intestine bacterial overgrowth (a.k.a. SIBO; one of the key causes of endo belly!). @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/theendobellycoach/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TheEndoBellyCoach</a></p><h2 id><br></h2><h2 id="isPasted">What is SIBO and why are endo warriors more prone?</h2><p><strong>SIBO stands for small intestine bacterial overgrowth.</strong> It is a condition where the bacteria which should be living in your large intestine are living in the small intestine too.</p><p>The small intestine typically houses a very tiny number of bacteria, but with SIBO, there&#x2019;s lot of it. When we have all of this bacteria in our small intestine, it damages the intestinal lining, inhibits nutrient absorption and causes problems like bloating, diarrhea, constipation, full body inflammation and abdominal pain to name a few.</p><p>While we need more data, current research is suggesting SIBO may affect up to 80% of those with endometriosis. The issue is, what came first?</p><p>The adhesions caused from endo or surgeries can inhibit the gut from working properly, which allows a build-up of bacteria in the small intestine, causing SIBO.</p><p>However, toxins from gram-negative bacteria called lipopolysaccharides have been found in the pelvic cavity of people with endo and have been shown to contribute to disease development and progression. There are theories that these lipopolysaccharides are present in higher numbers and escaping from the gut (thanks to leaky gut) into the pelvic cavity, due to the presence of SIBO.</p><h2 id="-1"><br></h2><h2 id="why-is-my-endo-belly-and-gut-health-worse-after-surgery">Why is my endo belly and gut health worse after surgery?</h2><p>There are a number of factors that might be worsening your gut symptoms after surgery. Here are three of the most common:</p><p><strong>Pelvic floor dysfunction:</strong> Most people with endo have something called a hypertonic pelvic floor, meaning a tight pelvic floor, after years of chronic pain. This can cause problems like constipation and urgency, and it can be worsened by surgery in some cases. Working with a pelvic floor physiotherapist who is versed in endometriosis is, in my opinion, a crucial part of recovery post-surgery.</p><p><strong>Pain killers:</strong> Many pain killers are constipating and can also slow down something called the migrating motor complex in the small intestine. This results in a build-up of bacteria, gases and faeces, leading to bloating, abdominal pain and general IBS symptoms. The good news is that there are lots of evidenced-based alternatives to ease pain and actually improve gut function.</p><p><strong>Adhesions and SIBO:</strong> Unfortunately, research shows us that in most cases, those who have abdominal surgery will develop adhesions. Adhesions are like spider webs that stick to the organs, muscles, and so on. They are incredibly strong, and can pull and distort organs, which may lead to restriction of function. If adhesions are affecting the gut, they may slow down the transit of food, gas or waste, creating IBS symptoms, but they can also inhibit the migrating motor complex in the small intestine, and when this is impaired, SIBO eventually follows, which could be the cause of your worsened or new endo belly symptoms.</p><p>Thankfully, you can see a practitioner who will assess you for adhesions and can work to break them down, and you can test and treat SIBO (though in some cases, SIBO is chronic).</p><h2 id="-2"><br></h2><h2 id="why-is-my-endo-bellygut-health-worse-in-my-luteal-phase-and-during-my-period">Why is my endo belly/gut health worse in my luteal phase and during my period?</h2><p>In the second half of our cycle, after ovulation, progesterone should be higher. Progesterone is a muscle relaxant, and because the gut is made of smooth muscle, it actually slows down motility. This results in slower transit times, potentially resulting in constipation, bloating and gas. However, we still want to be aiming for at least one bowel movement a day, and so if you&#x2019;re not getting that, working with a practitioner can help.</p><p>Often people report &#x2018;period diarrhea&#x2019; when menstruation starts. This is because of inflammatory chemicals known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play a crucial role in the breakdown and shedding of our uterine lining, but when levels are too high, they actually cause the colon to contract, creating accelerated bowel movements.</p><p>People with endometriosis (as well as people with heavy periods and painful periods) have been shown to have higher levels of prostaglandins in the menstrual blood and pelvic cavity. When we lower inflammation levels, we reduce these prostaglandins and can alleviate period diarrhea. You may still find you go a bit more, and your bowel movements might be a bit softer, but you shouldn&#x2019;t be struggling with bad diarrhea that affects your daily life.</p>

Endometriosis and gut health

Learn about how we formulated our PMS supplements to not interact with hormonal birth control.

<p data-mce-fragment="1" id="isPasted">We specifically formulated <a data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-href="https://www.semainehealth.com/products/semaine" href="https://www.semainehealth.com/products/semaine">PMS &amp; Period Support</a> so it can be taken with birth control without adverse side effects. So, you can take it with the confidence that treating your unwanted PMS and period pain symptoms won&#x2019;t render your birth control method less effective.</p><p data-mce-fragment="1">We consider that our customers may be treating or managing symptoms of several conditions, including but not limited to <a data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-href="https://www.semainehealth.com/blogs/science/endometriosis" href="https://www.semainehealth.com/blogs/science/endometriosis" id="isPasted">endo</a>, <a data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-href="https://www.semainehealth.com/blogs/science/uterine-fibroids" href="https://www.semainehealth.com/blogs/science/uterine-fibroids">fibroids</a>, <a data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-href="https://www.semainehealth.com/blogs/science/pcos-deep-dive" href="https://www.semainehealth.com/blogs/science/pcos-deep-dive">PCOS</a>, <a data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-href="https://www.semainehealth.com/blogs/science/everything-to-know-about-pmdd" href="https://www.semainehealth.com/blogs/science/everything-to-know-about-pmdd">PMDD</a>, high blood pressure,&#xA0;<a data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-href="https://www.semainehealth.com/blogs/science/why-do-i-keep-getting-utis" href="https://www.semainehealth.com/blogs/science/why-do-i-keep-getting-utis">frequent UTIs</a>, HRT, etc. We formulate our supplements with this in mind.</p><p data-mce-fragment="1">There are several herbs that could affect how well your form of <a data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-href="https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/medicines-interfere-birth-control-pills" href="https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/medicines-interfere-birth-control-pills">birth control works</a>, specifically if it contains synthetic hormones. The herbs below are typically used to treat symptoms of PMS, menopause, or other medical concerns like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, digestive issues, etc. <strong><em>None of these ingredients are in our Period Support supplements.&#xA0;</em></strong></p><ul data-mce-fragment="1"><li data-mce-fragment="1"><strong data-mce-fragment="1">Vitex/Chasteberry</strong> &#x2013; Commonly <a data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-href="https://drmicheleross.com/herbs-impact-birth-control-pills/" href="https://drmicheleross.com/herbs-impact-birth-control-pills/">used</a> to treat PMS, menopause, acne, or infertility, it may influence hormone levels. On its own, this could be helpful, but when paired with birth control pills, it could render it less effective.</li><li data-mce-fragment="1"><strong data-mce-fragment="1">Don Quai</strong> &#x2013; Used to <a data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-href="https://drmicheleross.com/herbs-impact-birth-control-pills/" href="https://drmicheleross.com/herbs-impact-birth-control-pills/">treat</a> PMS, menopause, cramps, and irregular periods, it has estrogen-like effects, and when studied in rats, changed the estrous cycle. Its ability to manipulate female hormones may make it unsafe to take with hormonal birth control.</li><li data-mce-fragment="1"><strong data-mce-fragment="1">Black Cohosh</strong> &#x2013; Typically <a data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-href="https://drmicheleross.com/herbs-impact-birth-control-pills/" href="https://drmicheleross.com/herbs-impact-birth-control-pills/">given</a> to treat symptoms of menopause, PMS, and arthritis, it&#x2019;s also used to induce labor. It has the ability to modulate female hormones which means it may interfere with the effectiveness of hormonal birth control. It is especially important to avoid this herb if you are taking a low dose estrogen or progesterone-only birth control.</li><li data-mce-fragment="1"><strong data-mce-fragment="1">St</strong>. <strong data-mce-fragment="1">John&#x2019;s Wort</strong> &#x2013; Some use it to treat mild or moderate depression and sleep disorders. A study shows that those who took birth control pills at the same time as <a data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-href="https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/medicines-interfere-birth-control-pills" href="https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/medicines-interfere-birth-control-pills">John&#x2019;s Wort</a> had higher rates of breakthrough bleeding and an increased breakdown of estrogen in their bodies. These are signs the contraceptives might not work as well as they should.</li></ul><p data-mce-fragment="1"><em data-mce-fragment="1"><a data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-href="https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/medicines-interfere-birth-control-pills" href="https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/medicines-interfere-birth-control-pills">Other herbal remedies</a> that may affect how well your birth control pills work</em></p><ul data-mce-fragment="1"><li data-mce-fragment="1"><strong data-mce-fragment="1">Saw Palmetto</strong> &#x2013; Some have tried this herb for hair loss.</li><li data-mce-fragment="1"><strong data-mce-fragment="1">Alfalfa</strong> &#x2013; Used for kidney, bladder, and prostate problems.</li><li data-mce-fragment="1"><strong data-mce-fragment="1">Garlic pills</strong> &#x2013; These are taken for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other heart and blood diseases.</li><li data-mce-fragment="1"><strong data-mce-fragment="1">Flaxseed</strong> &#x2013; This is used for digestion problems like severe constipation and IBS.</li></ul><p data-mce-fragment="1"><br><br></p>

Can I take Semaine with birth control?

Have no fear, our gummies and capsules both work great for health period support!

<div data-block="true" data-editor="32qkp" data-offset-key="1vm09-0-0" id="isPasted"><div data-offset-key="1vm09-0-0"><span data-offset-key="1vm09-0-0"><span data-text="true">Rest assured our&#xA0;</span></span><span data-offset-key="1vm09-0-0"><span data-text="true"><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.semainehealth.com/products/pms-relief-gummy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PMS Relief gummies</a></span></span><span data-offset-key="1vm09-0-0"><span data-text="true">&#xA0;are just as effective as our flagship product,&#xA0;</span></span><span data-offset-key="1vm09-0-0"><span data-text="true"><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.semainehealth.com/products/semaine" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PMS &amp; Period Support capsules</a></span></span><span data-offset-key="1vm09-0-0"><span data-text="true">, for providing rapid relief of PMS and period symptoms, now with the added benefit of a great taste!</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="32qkp" data-offset-key="bmnmn-0-0"><div data-offset-key="bmnmn-0-0"><span data-offset-key="bmnmn-0-0"><br data-text="true"></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="32qkp" data-offset-key="312fd-0-0"><div data-offset-key="312fd-0-0"><span data-offset-key="312fd-0-0"><span data-text="true">Both products share several key ingredients including vitamin D, magnesium, curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, and milk thistle. These ingredients are essential for supporting period health by addressing stress on your body, balancing hormones, enhancing mood, and easing digestive discomfort.&#xA0;</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="32qkp" data-offset-key="a32bi-0-0"><div data-offset-key="a32bi-0-0"><span data-offset-key="a32bi-0-0"><br data-text="true"></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="32qkp" data-offset-key="d5r90-0-0"><div data-offset-key="d5r90-0-0"><span data-offset-key="d5r90-0-0"><span data-text="true">In developing the gummies, we replaced ashwagandha and boswellia with lemon balm to avoid bitterness and maintain a pleasant taste. Lemon balm serves as a fantastic alternative, offering similar calming benefits for your body while soothing the intestines as well. Additionally, the gummies are crafted with natural, vegan ingredients like tapioca fiber syrup and pectin to create a delicious texture, without using artificial coloring or excessive sugar.</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="32qkp" data-offset-key="ddn0-0-0"><br></div>

Do the PMS capsules and gummies work the same way?

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