What are the four stages of endometriosis?

Introduction: Why Endometriosis Needs a New Approach

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, leading to pain, heavy periods, and fertility challenges. At Patients Medical in New York City, we understand that conventional treatments often focus on symptom relief, but we take a deeper approach. Our integrative treatment plan combines conventional, holistic, and functional medicine to understand the root causes of your endometriosis and manage it naturally—reducing inflammation, balancing hormones, and supporting overall health.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that occurs when endometrial-like tissue grows outside of the uterus, commonly in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lining. This tissue behaves as though it is still part of the menstrual cycle, causing inflammation, pain, and scarring. The severity of endometriosis is classified into four stages based on the location, extent, and depth of the growth:
  • Stage I (Minimal): Small, superficial lesions are present, with few adhesions.
  • Stage II (Mild): Lesions are more extensive, with some adhesions or deeper tissue involvement.
  • Stage III (Moderate): Larger lesions, deeper implants, and moderate adhesions are present.
  • Stage IV (Severe): Extensive lesions, deep implants, and severe adhesions are present, often involving the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Common Symptoms of Endometriosis

Endometriosis symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek testing and evaluation to determine the extent of your condition and how best to manage it.

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Endometriosis?

Functional medicine seeks to understand the root causes of chronic illnesses. For endometriosis, the following are common underlying factors:

  • Hormonal imbalances: Particularly excess estrogen, which stimulates the growth of endometrial tissue.
  • Genetic factors: A family history of endometriosis can increase your risk.
  • Immune system dysfunction: An impaired immune response may fail to recognize and clear the tissue growing outside the uterus.
  • Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can exacerbate pain and promote the growth of endometrial tissue.
  • Environmental toxins: Endocrine disruptors, such as those found in plastics and pesticides, may contribute to the development of endometriosis.

 

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we utilize advanced diagnostic tools to understand the full scope of your condition:

Pelvic ultrasound (to detect cysts or endometrial tissue)

Laparoscopy (the gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis, involving a small incision to view internal organs)

Blood tests (to check for hormone imbalances or inflammatory markers)

MRI (to assess the extent of endometrial growth and adhesions)

Hormone panels (to evaluate estrogen, progesterone, and other reproductive hormones)

Genetic testing (to check for any genetic predisposition to endometriosis)

Integrative Treatments for Endometriosis

Our integrative approach to treating endometriosis combines conventional treatments with holistic and functional medicine strategies:

Nutritional Therapy

We personalize anti-inflammatory, hormone-balancing nutrition plans that may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory diets (such as the Mediterranean diet or gluten-free protocols)
  • Low-glycemic foods to reduce insulin and estrogen levels
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (to reduce inflammation and support hormone balance)
  • Detox diets to eliminate environmental toxins

IV Vitamin Therapy

Custom IV infusions with Vitamin C, glutathione, magnesium, and B vitamins to support detoxification, reduce inflammation, and improve overall health.

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

We recommend evidence-based supplements to help manage symptoms and support hormonal balance:

  • Turmeric (curcumin) (for reducing inflammation)
  • DIM (diindolylmethane) (for estrogen metabolism)
  • Vitex (chasteberry) (for hormone regulation)
  • Omega-3s (for inflammation and hormonal support)
  • Magnesium (for muscle relaxation and pain relief)

Stress Reduction

Stress can exacerbate symptoms of endometriosis, so we offer the following to help:

  • Acupuncture
  • Mindfulness and meditation
  • Adaptogenic herbs (such as ashwagandha and rhodiola)

Hormone Balancing

Bioidentical hormone therapy can be used to address estrogen dominance and progesterone imbalances. We also help optimize thyroid function, which can play a role in hormonal regulation.

Gut Health Support

Since gut health can influence inflammation and hormone levels, we focus on:

  • Healing the gut lining with supplements like L-glutamine and aloe vera
  • Probiotics to restore a healthy gut microbiome
  • Detox programs to eliminate excess estrogen and environmental toxins

Real Case Study: Emma’s Journey to Relief

Emma, age 32, had been struggling with severe pelvic pain and infertility for years. After being diagnosed with stage III endometriosis, she was on multiple medications but still experienced persistent pain and fatigue. We discovered that her estrogen levels were elevated, and she had an unhealthy gut microbiome.

We developed a 3-month integrative treatment plan for Emma that included:

  • Anti-inflammatory, hormone-balancing diet
  • IV nutrient therapy
  • Herbal supplementation for estrogen metabolism
  • Gut repair protocol
  • Stress reduction practices

Three months later, Emma experienced a significant reduction in pain, her energy improved, and her fertility issues were being addressed naturally.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

The stages of endometriosis are classified as minimal, mild, moderate, and severe, based on the extent and depth of the endometrial tissue growth.

There is no cure for endometriosis, but with integrative treatments, many women experience significant symptom relief and improved quality of life.

Endometriosis is typically diagnosed through laparoscopy, though imaging tests and blood work can also provide insight into the condition.

Yes, an anti-inflammatory, hormone-balancing diet can significantly reduce pain, inflammation, and other symptoms associated with endometriosis.

Many women with endometriosis can still conceive, though the condition may cause fertility issues. Holistic treatments can support reproductive health.

Stress can increase cortisol levels, which may worsen inflammation and pain. Stress management techniques are important in managing endometriosis symptoms.

Surgery is often used to remove endometrial tissue in severe cases, but many women benefit from holistic treatments that reduce symptoms without the need for surgery.

Hormone therapy can help reduce estrogen levels, preventing the endometrial-like tissue from growing and alleviating symptoms.

Yes, natural remedies include dietary changes, supplements like turmeric and magnesium, acupuncture, and stress reduction techniques.

While we are an out-of-network provider, we offer superbills to assist with reimbursement, and some lab tests may be partially covered by insurance.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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