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Endometriosis 101
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women yet is often overlooked. Learn the signs and how naturopathic care supports hormone balance, pain relief and nutrition.
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Courtney Ranieri, ND, a licensed naturopathic doctor registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (Reg. #3726). Last reviewed July 2026.
It's estimated that endometriosis impacts 1 in 10 women, yet it takes on average 7.5 years for a woman to be diagnosed with it.
Women are often told that their symptoms are 'normal' and are dismissed or overlooked. I believe that women deserve better healthcare.
Because March is endometriosis awareness month, here are some facts:
- Painful and heavy periods, severe bloating, pelvic pain and pain with intercourse are NOT 'normal' PMS symptoms, these are signs of endo
- Endometriosis does not equal infertility, however 30 to 40% of women with it experience fertility struggles
- Your symptoms are NOT in your head, they are physiological
- Hormonal birth control does not cure endometriosis
Goals of endometriosis treatment with me:
Hormone balancing. Endometriosis can be triggered in response to hormones, usually too much estrogen or too little progesterone.
Reducing pain and inflammation. Targeted supplements, botanicals and acupuncture can help to reduce pain, inflammation and promote estrogen detoxification.
Optimizing nutrition and wellness. Focusing on fueling your body to keep your hormones happy to help manage symptoms.
Natural Treatments
There's no 'cure' for endometriosis, but specific nutrition, supplements and lifestyle changes can be beneficial to regulate cycles, improve fertility and manage the multifaceted symptoms of endometriosis.
As a Naturopathic Doctor, treatments are tailored specifically for each patient depending on their individual symptoms and goals.
- Nutrition. Focusing on a hormone-specific diet plan.
- Regulate Hormones. Optimizing hormonal health to help regulate the cycle, manage inflammation and pain.
- Comprehensive Lab Testing. I run comprehensive lab testing if necessary to help us understand your health better and guide treatments. This may include Estrogen (Estradiol), LH:FSH ratio, Progesterone, Insulin and/or HbA1C, TSH (and T3, T4, anti-TPO), free testosterone, DHEAS, Cortisol and CRP.
- Supplemental Support. Targeted supplements and botanicals to improve endometriosis symptoms.
- Optimizing a Healthy Hormone Lifestyle. There is good research on the importance of optimizing sleep, energy and balancing mood and exercise for endometriosis. Acupuncture is another wonderful tool to help manage endometriosis symptoms.
Book your hormonal health discovery appointment now.
About the author
Dr. Courtney Ranieri, ND is a board-licensed naturopathic doctor and the founder of Somewhere Health. She earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto and holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Ontario. Her clinical focus spans hormonal health, fertility, digestion, and women's health, with advanced training in pelvic floor therapy and integrative fertility care.
