Childhood Trauma & Endometriosis
The podcast features senior ReMed naturopath Katelyn Gray as she continues the conversation on endometriosis, honing in on two very common causative factors - childhood trauma and stress. She details a case to illustrate the link and how she approached treatment.
Covered in This Episode
1:30 Introducing Katelyn and A Journey to Naturopathy
Introduction to senior ReMed Naturopath, Katelyn Gray, who shares how her early exposure to naturopathy led her to pursue it straight out of high school.
3: 45 Specialising in Women's Health
Katelyn's work includes women's hormonal health, fertility, and managing conditions like endometriosis and PCOS.
6:15 Endometriosis Overview
Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
7:20 The Link Between Trauma and Endometriosis
Discussion of how trauma, especially childhood sexual trauma, is commonly found in patients with endometriosis.
8:50 Navigating Trauma in Clinical Practice
Katelyn emphasises the importance of psychological support, particularly for patients with PTSD linked to trauma.
11:50 Approach to Discussing Trauma with Patients
Strategies for uncovering trauma sensitively, often with follow-up questions to build rapport has been built.
13:45 Psychological Stress and Clinical Observations
A review of literature which suggests that 68% of women with endometriosis report mild to high psychological stress. Katelyn shares that while not every case involves trauma, there is often significant stress or anxiety present.
14:40 Case Study Introduction
A patient case with endometriosis and PTSD highlights Katelyn approach, focusing on reducing pain and managing anxiety.
18:00 Treatment Approach - Nervous System Regulation
Katelyn's priority was calming the patient's nervous system through anxiety support and stress management. From starting on kava for anxiety, to discovering B12 and vitamin D deficiencies through testing.
23:40 Stress and Digestive Function
Katelyn explains the link between stress and nutrient absorption, emphasising digestive support to improve nutrient levels.
26:00 Next Steps in Treatment
Plans to address gut health, potentially exploring hormone modulation, and a vaginal microbiome test as a priority to gain insights into the patient's pain and dysbiosis.
29:15 Referal Network for Psychological Support
Katelyn encourages patients to pursue psychological support, including telehealth options.
Resources and Links
As a practitioner, Katelyn is most passionate about female reproductive health. Recognised that women’s health, in particular menstrual health, is often brushed over and stigmatised, with a lot of very real and debilitating presentations being ignored and passed off as “normal”. Often ‘band-aid’ treatment is applied, and women can suffer for majority of their reproductive life. Katelyn sees it as her mission to empower women and get to the underlying cause of these symptoms for long-term results.
Katelyn works specifically with women who have side effects or reactions to the pill, IUDs or hormone implants such as Implanon. She is passionate about helping women who want to come off contraceptive medications without harsh or lingering side effects and re-establish their natural cycle.
Childhood trauma and increased risk of endometriosis
Increased risk of psychological diagnosis in patients with endometriosis
Link between increased risk of pelvic pain and sexual abuse regardless of endometriosis diagnosis
68% of women with endo have mild or high psychological stress
