The Hormone Cafe

In this episode of The Hormone Café, Dr. Sarah Pederson, holistic OB-GYN and founder of Vera Health and Fertility in Westminster, Colorado, discusses endometritis (also called metritis), a commonly overlooked uterine condition that can cause chronic pain and infertility.

Dr. Sarah explains what endometritis is, how it develops, the signs and symptoms to watch for, and why it’s important to get tested. She also shares her holistic approach to treatment, including antibiotics, uterine washes, PRP therapy, diet, lifestyle, and immune support, along with strategies to prevent recurrence.

If you’ve ever wondered why you experience unexplained pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or fertility struggles, this episode is a must-listen.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

🧠 What Is Endometritis?

• Inflammation or infection in the inner lining of the uterus
• Difference from endometriosis
• Common causes: postpartum, miscarriage, IUDs, DNCs, and other uterine procedures

💥 Symptoms & Red Flags

• Pelvic or uterine pain, especially on periods
• Abnormal odor during menstruation
• Brown spotting between cycles or leading up to periods
• Often subtle or asymptomatic, making testing important

🔍 Diagnosis

• Endometrial biopsy (“like an advanced pap smear”)
• Pathology and CD138 staining to identify inflammation and white blood cells
• Tissue cultures to detect bacterial infection
  Acute vs. chronic endometritis

⚕️ Treatment Options

• Oral antibiotics with probiotics to protect gut health
• Uterine washes: antibiotics, steroid flushes, or PRP (platelet-rich plasma)
• Retesting after treatment to ensure infection is fully cleared

🌿 Holistic Support & Lifestyle

• Anti-inflammatory diet and adequate protein to support estrogen and blood flow
• Immune system support with nutrition and supplements
• Avoiding excess sugar and inflammatory foods

💡 Why This Matters

• Untreated endometritis can contribute to infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and fatigue
• Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment improve reproductive health and overall well-being

Key Takeaways:

• Endometritis is treatable—but often overlooked.
• Symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other conditions.
• Proper testing, targeted treatment, and lifestyle support are critical for healing.
• Holistic care supports uterine health, fertility, and immune function.