The Hormone Cafe

In this episode of The Hormone Café, Dr. Sarah Pederson, holistic OB-GYN and founder of Vera Health and Fertility in Denver, Colorado, breaks down one of the most misunderstood conditions in women’s health—endometriosis.

Dr. Sarah explains what endometriosis is, how it develops, and the wide range of symptoms it can cause—from painful periods to infertility. She also shares her holistic, step-by-step approach to treatment, including lifestyle changes, supplements, hormone support, and advanced surgical techniques designed to restore your anatomy and prevent recurrence.

If you’ve ever wondered why your periods are so painful, why you feel bloated every month, or if endometriosis could be affecting your fertility, this episode is for you.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

1. 🧠 What Is Endometriosis?
   • How tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus
   • Common sites where endometriosis appears (ovaries, pelvis, diaphragm, etc.)
   • Theories on what causes it—from genetics to autoimmune links
2. 💥 Symptoms & Red Flags
   • Painful, heavy, or debilitating periods
   • Bloating (“endo-bloat”) and digestive issues
   • Infertility and “silent” endometriosis without obvious pain
3. 🔍 Diagnosis
   • Why imaging like ultrasound or MRI often miss endometriosis
   • The gold standard: laparoscopic or robotic surgery
   • Non-surgical diagnostic options like the ReceptivaDx uterine biopsy
4. 🌿 Holistic Treatment Approach
   • Anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle foundations
   • Key supplements: Omega-3s, NAC, and Curcumin
   • The role of balanced hormones and bioidentical support
5. ⚕️ Surgical Treatment & Recovery
   • Dr. Sarah’s robotic excision technique for precise, restorative surgery
   • Use of PRP (platelet-rich plasma) to enhance healing and reduce scarring
   • Post-surgery strategies to prevent recurrence and optimize fertility

Key Takeaways:

• Endometriosis is common—but not normal. Painful periods deserve evaluation.
• 50% of people with endometriosis may have no pain, only fertility struggles.
• Surgery can be highly effective when combined with lifestyle and hormonal support.
• True healing means restoring the body, not just removing lesions.