Episode 27: Endometriosis Exposed: Why Your Pain Is NOT ‘Just Cramps In this episode of Gut Feelings: Life Unfiltered, Dr. Jen and Dr. Melissa pull back the curtain on endometriosis and call out the outdated, dismissive narratives that have failed women for decades. They break down what endometriosis actually is—a whole-body, immune-driven, inflammatory and hormonal disorder, not “just bad periods”—and talk about how it can impact everything from your pelvis and gut to your nervous system, mood, and pain perception. Jen shares pieces of her own endo journey (including numbness, heavy legs, and central pain sensitization) while the docs explain why hysterectomies and ablation surgeries often fall short, what makes excision surgery different, and why nervous system work, gut repair, hormone balance, and trauma processing all belong in the same conversation. If you’ve ever been told to “just take the pill” or made to feel like your pain is in your head, this episode is your validation and your roadmap. What We Cover in This Episode What endometriosis actually is: a chronic, systemic inflammatory and immune condition Why endo is not just a gynecological issue or “bad cramps” Where endo lesions can show up (beyond the pelvis: bowel, diaphragm, lungs, nerves, even rare spots like the nose and brain) Common myths: Retrograde menstruation theory “A hysterectomy will cure your endo” Ablation vs. excision—and why the type of surgery matters How endometriosis impacts: The immune system and chronic inflammation Hormones, estrogen dominance, and progesterone resistance Gut health (SIBO, leaky gut, histamine issues, constipation/diarrhea) The nervous system and central pain sensitization Jen’s personal story: numbness, heavy legs, burning pain, and being dismissed by “experts” The role of the HPA axis and chronic stress in pain and endo flares Nervous system regulation as a foundation for healing (beyond “just do breathwork”) How unprocessed trauma, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and thought patterns keep the nervous system in threat mode Why community, being believed, and having a multidisciplinary team are non-negotiable for true healing A sneak peek at the next episode on functional healing plans for endometriosis (nutrition, gut, hormones, nervous system work) 5 Key Takeaways Endometriosis is a whole-body condition, not a “bad period.” It’s an immune-mediated, inflammatory and hormonal disorder that can affect your gut, brain, nerves, lungs, metabolism, and mood—not just your uterus and ovaries. Surgery type matters—and hysterectomy is not a cure for endo. Ablation often gives temporary relief because lesions are burned, not fully removed. Excision surgery—done by a skilled endometriosis surgeon—is the gold standard for actually removing lesions, but it still needs to be paired with systemic healing. Your hormones are part of the story, not the whole story. Estrogen can fuel lesions and lesions can make their own estrogen, creating a vicious loop. Progesterone is anti-inflammatory and calming, but many women become resistant to it. You can’t just “shut off estrogen” without considering bones, muscles, mood, and long-term health. The gut and nervous system are deeply involved in endo. SIBO, leaky gut, histamine issues, and chronic inflammation feed into hormone imbalances and pain. At the same time, chronic pain and trauma dysregulate the nervous system and HPA axis, leading to central pain sensitization—where normal pressure feels like extreme pain. You are not making it up—and you don’t have to do this alone. Your pain is real, your symptoms are valid, and being dismissed doesn’t make them any less true. Healing often requires a team that looks at immune health, hormones, gut, nervous system, and emotional patterns—and a community of women who truly get what you’re going through. Links and Resources: 📱 Dr. Mel's Social Media Instagram: @blossom_integrative Facebook: Blossom Integrative Health YouTube: Blossom Integrative Health 📱 Dr. Jen's Social Media Instagram: @healthinmotionwellness Facebook: Health in Motion Wellness Websites: www.drauchter.com www.healthinmotion-wellness.com 💬 Enjoying the podcast? Follow, rate, and share to support our mission of whole-person healing!
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Jan 22 202641 min