While trying for 2 years to conceive my second DS (a bit of a shock, since my first DS was no problem to conceive) I found out that I had endometriosis. It was a last ditch effort, I had a laparoscopy done, the doctor found what he described as "mild" endo, and removed it. I got pregnant 6 weeks later.

So, now a year after having my second DS I find my endo symptoms getting increasingly bad. I would say I didn't really know I had it at first, but for about 4 months before we did the lap, I was sure I had it due to sudden symptoms that I had never had during my very regular and previously predictable cycles.

Now I'm on birth control again. I don't like it, I find it gives me headaches, and I often think I am still ovulating, which my OB agrees with. He's already given me stronger BC, but it gives me more headaches.

I would really like to discontinue the BC because the headaches alone are enough to make me want to stop taking it. I've heard though that it helps in preventing the endo from growing. I don't really know how though, as isn't endo estrogen dependant, so why would pumping estrogen into me help?

Now I know there are things you can do like get certain shots that basically put you into chemical menopause for a bit? Or worse come to worse get a hysterectomy. My mom happened to have fibroids badly when she was younger and had a full hysterectomy at 30 or 31, and was then on hormone replacement, and that did not go well for her. The hormones made her sick, get headaches, not to mention a ton of weight gain. So, obviously, I'd love to avoid that.

I guess I'm looking for a more natural remedy. I have read that there is some evidence that it may be an autoimmune disease. I know it's not well understood why it occurs, but I guess it's linked to other autoimmune diseases, and as it just so happens I am hypothyroid and have been medicated for it for about 6 years now.

I've read a bit about elimination diets which means basically I'd have to eliminate all foods that could cause inflammation like dairy, sugar, nuts, eggs, nightshades, etc. I've also read more dramatic things like people doing juice fasts and stuff to cure it. But supposedly these "cures" have to do with the fact that they eliminate inflammation in the body and help with autoimmune diseases.

Ugh, I think I'm just depressed about the long term implications of it. Knowing that it's maybe mild to moderate at the moment, and already feeling some degree of pain from it for 14 days or more per cycle, I'm pretty discouraged to think of what it could be like a few years or more down the road.

Any wisdom, advice or otherwise? I know some of these "solutions" seem extreme, but I wonder if any are worth a shot for my long term comfort and to avoid any major surgery or otherwise.

ETA - Sorry this post is kinda all over the place. I've been reading too much and my thoughts are kind of scattered. If you sort it out and respond, thanks!