Endometriosis 3: Nervous System Support, Myths busting & Hope
Welcome to the final blog of our endometriosis series with women's health and endo specialist Saoirse Nash
Our previous two blogs explored the foundations of endo symptom support: from inflammation, cycle syncing and yoga, to nutrition, flare-friendly foods, stress regulation and seed cycling.
This blog will continue that journey by looking at the crucial role of nervous system regulation, debunking common endometriosis myths and Saoirse’s compassionate message of hope for anyone navigating this condition.
We wanted to say a huge thank you to Saoirse for sharing her insights and wisdom with us and hope our readers find this blog series supportive as you navigate your endo journey.
Everyday practices that help women feel more comfortable and empowered while living with endometriosis
Nervous system regulation is the key to living a happier life with endometriosis. This doesn’t have to be an overwhelming concept - some small, every day practices to include are:
✓ 5 minutes of morning meditation or visualisation
✓ Gentle stretches or Yoga
✓ Reading
✓ Drinking a cup of herbal tea without being on your phone.
These things signal to your nervous system that you’re calm and safe, and they’re a great way to start your day.
I’m a huge fan of ‘breathwork’ but not necessarily in the trendy sense you see on social media (hour long, group classes - not that you shouldn’t do these classes, but they’re not accessible to everyone). When I say breathwork, I mean taking 1-2 minutes of intentional breaths any time throughout the day, whenever you remember.
Stopping for a moment and focusing on taking slow, deep inhalations and long, slow exhalations (making the exhalation longer than the inhalation also signals to your body that you’re safe). Definitely the most under-rated nervous system hack!
Now, to swerve a little, I would also add that any woman who is struggling with endo, especially endo belly, make adjustments to her wardrobe, and focus on finding really comfortable clothing that feels good on her body, even when bloated.
It can be hard to let go of items of clothing that we love, and used to feel good in, but if those jeans or that skirt is pressing on your belly, especially if you’re bloated, it adds to the awful feeling you get during a flare. Finding some nice, comfortable clothing that you feel good in even when flaring can be a nice touch for your body and nervous system.
Let's debunk these common endometriosis myths or misconceptions
There are probably quite a few, so I’ll try to keep to the most salient! Firstly, and most importantly:
The Pill does not cure endometriosis, nor does it necessarily stop disease progression. The Pill may, for some women, mask certain symptoms such as heavy and / or irregular periods, but it won’t cure you of the disease, and some women find that the disease is still quietly progressing in the background and symptoms can sometimes be worse when coming off the Pill.
This leads me nicely into the second myth I’d like to debunk:
Endometriosis is NOT just a hormonal or reproductive system condition (which, incidentally, is why hormone therapy like the Pill won’t cure the disease: because it’s not solely hormonally driven). Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition which affects multiple systems of the body and causes a wide array of symptoms. It’s driven by many factors, including immune system dysfunction. I want to pause here and make it very clear - I’m not judging any woman who decides to take the Pill to try and manage her endometriosis, and I believe it’s every individual woman’s right to choose. It’s just important to me that we’re all aware that the Pill is not a cure, because endometriosis is not solely a hormonal condition.
The third myth I’d like to debunk is:
Food and lifestyle choices don’t have an impact on disease progression… they absolutely do! Which is actually a fantastic thing, because it means everyone has some power at home to make choices which will support their health and manage the symptoms of endo. As I said above, endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition, meaning there are increased levels of inflammation in the body which a) contribute to the common symptoms of endo like pain and fatigue, and b) contribute to further growth of the disease. You can choose to eat foods and make lifestyle changes at home which help your body to regulate and lower levels of inflammation, therefore helping to manage or even reduce symptoms.
Saoirse's message of hope for women living with endometriosis
Firstly, I would like to say - I get you. You’re not alone in how you’re feeling - I’ve been there (still go there sometimes) as have many other women struggling with this condition.
It’s an incredibly exhausting disease to live with. What I’d really like you to know, is that there ARE things that you can do, at home, without needing a doctor, to support your body and improve its response to this disease.
The reason I want you to know this, is so that you feel some sense of power or control over this element of your life. I want to educate, encourage and empower you to make changes which will help you to feel some sense of health and belonging in your body.
You can make changes to what you eat, how you move, and the lifestyle you live, which will all help to combat the effects of this disease on your physical and mental health. I guess, essentially, I’d like you to know that there is still hope for feeling a little better in your body.
Seed Cycling
Seed cycling is often used as a supportive, food-first approach for women navigating hormonal imbalances and conditions such as endometriosis. By rotating specific seeds throughout the menstrual cycle, the body is supplied with fibre, healthy fats, minerals, and plant compounds that play a role in hormone metabolism, digestive function, and inflammatory regulation.
When practised consistently, seed cycling may help support the body’s natural hormonal rhythms without acting as an intervention or treatment. As part of a balanced diet and lifestyle, it can offer gentle nutritional support that complements broader strategies for long-term hormonal and reproductive wellbeing.
It’s important to note that seed cycling is not a cure for endometriosis. However, it may support hormone balance, contribute to inflammatory management, and help women feel more informed and empowered in their approach to ongoing symptom support.
We hope this blog series from women’s health coach and endometriosis specialist Saoirse Nash @the.wholehealthcoach has inspired and empowered you to nourish your body naturally through nutrition, movement, and mind–body regulation.
If you feel called to deepen this work, you can work with Saoirse for personalised, compassionate support on your endometriosis journey.
Shop our Organic Seed Cycle Blends & Whole Seeds
Blog 1: Saoirse's story: endometriosis, inflammation and seed cycling
