There are several smart, simple ways of coping with endometriosis, depending on the severity of the condition that offer either short-term solutions or long-term treatments. Coping with endometriosis often involves more than just addressing the symptoms, it also means understanding the factors that contribute to them and coming up with means to correct them. If you're looking for coping tips for endometriosis and its symptoms, here are some suggestions you might find helpful:

Block prostaglandin

Coping with endometriosis symptoms is often about coping with pain, which is why it may be helpful to use drugs that stop the production of certain types of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are substances produced by the body at certain times. Prostaglandins can increase or reduce blood pressure, they appear when inflammation occurs and white blood cells rush to the area to try and ease the problem. One particular prostaglandin stimulates uterus contractions and is used to induce labor.

When thinking in terms of endometriosis there are two types of prostaglandins, those that are beneficial to the body and don't effect endometriosis and those that will worsen symptoms. The trick is to increase the first and reduce or eliminate the latter.

To help cope with endometriosis pain, prostaglandins must be blocked. An effective way of doing this is by taking pain relievers. Most women find relief with drugs containing acetaminophen, naproxen, aspirin and ibuprofen. These help keep prostaglandin in check and prevent swelling and uterine contractions.

Protaglandins are also effected by what we eat, typically the fats and oils in our diets. It is best to stick with vegetable, nut and seed oils and avoid where possible hydrogenated oils and saturated fat, typically found in processed foods and meat and dairy products.

Reduce estrogen

In one of the stages of the menstrual cycle, the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) thickens because of estrogen, which the ovaries produce. Even when endometrial tissue leaves the uterus to grow in other areas, it still responds to estrogen.

Whether or not estrogen is directly involved in causing endometriosis is still up for debate. In coping with endometriosis, women need to control excessive amounts of estrogen in their system. Drugs used in hormonal therapy such as GnRH-agonists, contraceptive pills and progestins may help women in coping with endometriosis by reducing the levels of estrogen in their bodies.

Lifestyle changes

Coping with endometriosis does not involve a single treatment method. Oftentimes, it requires a two pronged attack of medications and lifestyle change.

Many women find that making slight adjustments to their diet and exercise regimen can go a long way to alleviating painful symptoms and in helping them cope with endometriosis.

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Certain foods are also believed to aggravate endometriosis symptoms. These foods include caffeine, alcohol, salt, sugar, dairy and saturated fats.

In a study of about 500 women between 36 and 45 years old, those who consumed more caffeine, alcohol and cholesterol-rich products had estrogen levels that were higher than other women in the study did.

Again, estrogen is only suspected of causing endometriosis pain, but most experts believe regulating its levels in the body helps reduce cramping and swelling.

In finding effective coping tips for endometriosis, adding exercise and sufficient rest in a treatment plan has also shown positive results in some women. Coping well with endometriosis involves keeping the body strong to help it withstand pain, using medication wisely and developing a robust immune system. Exercise has also helped many women cope with endometriosis thanks to its ability to stimulate the production of endorphins, substances naturally produced by the body to feel better and block pain.