The usual food intolerance culprits also need to be investigated, says Mills. She adds that, in her experience, wheat intolerance causes constipation, and intolerance to dairy produce causes diarrhoea. The third treatment step is to support the reproductive system. Mills says her goal with any new client is to eliminate period-type pains. She adds that she can usually help sufferers to achieve this in two or three months.
Many sufferers report higher energy levels, clearer skin and better overall health.
Researchers are also investigating the benefits of Chinese herbs. A project being undertaken by Herbal Research, a Kent-based company, came about by accident when an endometriosis sufferer at the company took a different product to treat a severe case of flu. To her astonishment, the product tackled the flu, and also produced her first pain-free menstrual cycle for years. Having monitored the woman over several cycles, the company has formulated a product that is being tested on a number of women. The remedy, a combination of 16 herbs, is said to relieve pain, break down oestrogen so it can be excreted, and clean up the liver.