Exercising is an excellent way to get your heart pumping, clear your head, and boost your mood. Some days, it feels like you're only one run or Zumba class away from feeling great. And in some cases, exercise may even help alleviate some health conditions. But does exercise help endometriosis pain?
First, here is a quick recap on what endometriosis is all about. Endometriosis, a condition in which endometrium tissue grows outside of your uterus, causes many women to experience debilitating pain around the time of their menstrual cycle, as noted by the Mayo Clinic. The pain caused by endometriosis is, by all accounts, off the charts, and unfortunately endometriosis may be hereditary and it does not appear to be preventable, only manageable. Can exercise help with this pain management?
According to many sources, tearing up your workout sessions may be what your body needs to help lessen the pain of endometriosis. As explained by the Center for Young Women's Health (CYWH), regular exercise may help you feel better by releasing endorphins, improving your blood flow, and even lowering the amount of estrogen in your body. This last point is critical because, as further noted by the CYWH, lowering your estrogen levels may help control some of the pain of endometriosis. Other sources reiterate this information. As explained in Healthy Women, one study found that women who participated in high-intensity aerobic activities were 63 percent less likely to be diagnosed with endometriosis, possibly because of a correlation between intense exercise and reduced estrogen production.
So what types of exercise are best for relieving symptoms of endometriosis? According to the Carolinas HealthCare System, running and cycling are both good choices that may help lower your estrogen and minimize other painful symptoms of the condition, and walking for about 30 minutes a day could boost pelvic blood flow and decrease hormones. Lastly, as noted by Women's Health, yoga may provide pain relief from endometriosis by promoting relaxation, minimizing tension, and alleviating some of the pain associated with the condition. Whether you gear up for a bike ride or wind down for yoga practice, hopefully you can find a type of exercise that helps alleviate your endometriosis.
