Endometriosis is one of the most common yet misunderstood reproductive health conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, it often takes years to diagnose, leaving many to navigate a confusing path of pain, heavy bleeding, infertility, and unanswered questions. In a recent conversation with herbalist and teacher Kat Mackinnon, on The Dancing Willow podcast, we explored the complexity of endometriosis through both clinical insight and personal experience.
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What Is Endometriosis?
At its simplest, endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This misplaced tissue still behaves like endometrial tissue, building and shedding with each menstrual cycle, but because it’s out of place, it causes inflammation, scarring, and often significant pain.
The most common locations are in the abdomen, ovaries, bladder, and digestive tract, though it has been found in distant areas like the lungs. Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent condition, meaning symptoms often begin around the start of menstruation, can worsen with prolonged estrogen exposure, and usually ease after menopause.
Why Is It So Hard to Diagnose?
One of the most frustrating aspects of endometriosis is how long it can take to receive a diagnosis, on average, 10 years from the onset of symptoms. Kat herself went more than two decades before receiving confirmation.
Part of the difficulty is the wide spectrum of symptoms. Some people have severe pain and infertility, while others discover they have endometriosis only incidentally during unrelated surgery. Common symptoms can include:
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Intense menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
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Heavy or irregular bleeding
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Pain during sex, urination, or bowel movements
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Infertility
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Chronic bloating or pelvic pain
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Fatigue, depression, and anxiety (often linked to pain and anemia)
This diversity of presentation makes research difficult and leads to many people being dismissed or misdiagnosed.
Kat’s Personal Journey
Kat’s story reflects the struggles many face. From her first period, she experienced severe pain and heavy bleeding, but lacked the language and context to understand what was happening. For years, she managed symptoms with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and later through herbal medicine. Eventually, worsening symptoms and the development of uterine fibroids led to surgery, revealing extensive endometrial tissue throughout her abdomen.
Even after surgery, endometriosis can return. Kat continues to manage her condition with a mix of herbal strategies, nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and, when necessary, Western medical interventions. Her approach is pragmatic: “Whatever works. Are you in less pain? Is your quality of life better? That’s what matters.”
Herbal and Lifestyle Approaches
While there is no cure for endometriosis, herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle practices can play a powerful role in symptom management. Kat emphasizes the importance of supporting the whole person, not just targeting pain.
Diet and Lifestyle:
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Prioritize whole foods rich in nutrients and antioxidants.
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Increase omega-3 fatty acids while reducing processed oils to manage inflammation.
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Stay active with movement that feels accessible- even gentle walking or sauna, if more vigorous exercise is unavailable, can support circulation and resilience.
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Build strong community connections to buffer the emotional toll of chronic illness.
Herbal Strategies:
- For Pain: Antispasmodic and anodyne herbs such as silk tassel, Jamaican dogwood, white peony, kava, and low-dose botanicals like yellow jasmine can ease cramping and pain..
- For Nervous System Support: Nervines such as skullcap and pedicularis help calm the secondary tension and anxiety caused by chronic pain.
- For Heavy Bleeding: Shepherd’s purse, lady’s mantle, and horseweed are especially effective in reducing flow.
- For Detoxification Support: Herbs like immune specific alternatives, such as echinacea or low dose poke root (with caution- or found in some of our formulas in safe amounts, like Lymph Tonic and Immense Defense). And antioxidant-rich plants (green tea, rosehips, turmeric) help the body manage inflammation and tissue repair.
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For Estrogen Dominance: Supporting the liver’s detoxification of excess estrogen through bitter plants & herbs (like our Simple Bitters or LVR Tonic), increasing brassica vegetables like Brocolli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, etc.
The Role of Western Medicine
While Kat deeply values herbalism, she stresses that surgery, imaging, and hormonal therapies have their place. For some, surgery to remove endometrial tissue or cysts is lifesaving, especially when bleeding becomes unmanageable or ovarian cysts pose serious risks. The best care often combines herbal and medical approaches, tailored to the individual’s needs and goals.
Moving Forward
Endometriosis remains a condition surrounded by mystery, under-researched and under-recognized. Yet conversations like this one shine light on the complexity of the disease and the resilience of those who live with it. Through story, plants, and integrative care, Kat reminds us that healing is not about one perfect solution, but about creating a life where suffering is eased and vitality has room to grow.
Connect with Kat
You can find her on Instagram at @kat_the_herbalist. To stay tuned, visit her website https://www.meetthegreen.com/.