01 Oct 2025
By: Yi TCM Admin
Endometriosis is a concerning gynaecological condition that occurs in stages, each of which presents different challenges to treat. Understanding what these stages entail and how endometriosis progresses can help you prepare for the necessary treatments to manage this condition over time.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that is similar to the uterine lining (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. Much like the actual uterine lining, this tissue also behaves similarly during a normal menstrual cycle, where it thickens, breaks down, and causes bleeding. However, when this tissue breaks down without a way to remove it from the body, it becomes trapped instead and causes severe menstrual cramps and pelvic pain.
Other symptoms you may experience include:
Endometriosis currently has no known cure, but available treatments aim to provide symptom relief or allow you to achieve particular reproductive goals, such as becoming pregnant.
There are several staging systems for endometriosis, but the most commonly used one was developed by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). The ASRM categorises endometriosis into four stages, from 1 (minimal) to 4 (severe). Despite this staging system, endometriosis may affect people differently. As such, someone with stage 1 endometriosis may experience significant pain, while someone at stage 4 may experience little to no symptoms at all.
While endometrial growths can form nearly anywhere, they tend to form close to or on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, and around the uterus.
At this stage, there are only a few small endometrial growths or areas of scar tissue. These are typically found growing on superficial tissue lining your pelvis, abdominal cavity, or even nearby organs. This stage is commonly called minimal endometriosis.
Mild endometriosis generally has more growths than stage 1, which may have grown deeper into the body, such as in the pelvic region and ovaries.
Moderate endometriosis may have many deep endometrial growths and a risk of cyst growths in at least one of your ovaries. These cysts form when endometrial tissue attaches itself to an ovary. Scar tissue may also be present in the form of filmy adhesions as your body fights off inflammation caused by endometriosis. These adhesions could also cause nearby organs to stick to each other, causing pain and other complications.
Severe endometriosis forms a significant number of cysts, some of which can grow quite large, as well as scar tissue. Most of these cysts typically require surgery for removal. You may also experience symptoms like painful bowel movements, abdominal pain, and nausea. It may also increase your risk of infertility.
From the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) perspective, endometriosis is considered a form of menstrual pain, one that arises from blood and Qi stasis (or stagnation). Both of these occur when a deficiency or imbalance is negatively affecting your body or the reproductive system. Causes of this deficiency or imbalance can stem from poor lifestyle habits, which then prevent normal blood and Qi circulation to the reproductive system and other vital organs. As a result, you may exhibit symptoms of endometriosis, where stagnation prevents blood and Qi from nourishing your reproductive organs while influencing the formation of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
TCM’s treatment approach focuses on determining the root cause of your endometriosis, then managing symptoms with a combination of TCM techniques. Like Western medicine, TCM aims to provide symptom relief and minimise the progression and risk of endometriosis, especially if you plan on starting a family soon. Your TCM physician will conduct a thorough examination to determine your treatment needs accurately.
Acupuncture may help improve your blood and Qi circulation to the uterus, preventing blood and Qi stagnation that worsens your condition. The procedure involves placing small, sterile needles at specific acupoints to stimulate normal circulation and alleviate the symptoms of endometriosis. Acupuncture is also said to help support the body in reducing inflammation and regulating hormone levels to minimise endometriosis symptoms and maintain comfort. For example, the acupoint Zhong Ji (中級) may be targeted to provide relief for irregular menstruation due to endometriosis.
TCM herbal recipes can help restore your body’s balance and alleviate deficiencies that are weakening your general health. Some of these herbs include:
Your TCM physician will determine which herbs are the right fit to manage your endometriosis symptoms.
At Yi TCM, we offer a range of TCM treatments to support your health, including managing your endometriosis symptoms. Contact us today for a personalised consultation and start your TCM journey with us.
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Chen, C., Li, X., Lu, S., Yang, J., & Liu, Y. (2024). Acupuncture for clinical improvement of endometriosis-related pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 310(4), 2101–2114. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-024-07675-z
Huang, H., Lin, Y., & Ye, H. (2024). A Meta-analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Endometriosis. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 30(12), 456–464. Retrieved 25th June 2025 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38551430/
Payne, J. A. (2019). Acupuncture for Endometriosis: A Case Study. Medical Acupuncture, 31(6), 392–394. https://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2019.1379
