Endometriosis is often treated as a surgical or hormonal condition, but for many patients, the experience extends far beyond the pelvis. Chronic pain, inflammation, digestive issues, and sleep disruption can affect daily life in ways that are not always addressed through conventional treatment alone. Dr. Mary Sabo is helping to bridge that gap.
As a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, Dr. Sabo works with patients to regulate the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and support the body’s ability to heal. Her approach complements surgical and medical care, offering patients additional tools to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
In our recent Endo Exchange conversation, Dr. Mary Sabo joined Dr. Karli Provost Goldstein and Batya Novick to explore how endometriosis affects the body beyond reproductive organs, and how integrative therapies can support patients at every stage of their journey.
This discussion reinforced an important message: Healing from endometriosis is not one-dimensional. It requires supporting the whole body.
About Dr. Mary Sabo
Dr. Mary Sabo is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and the founder of Lily + Horn, a holistic practice focused on reproductive health and integrative medicine.
Her care is rooted in nervous system regulation, reproductive balance, and helping patients reconnect with their bodies in a way that feels informed, calming, and empowering.
Here’s more information about Dr. Sabo:
- 15+ years of experience in fertility and reproductive support
- Specializes in acupuncture for IVF, endometriosis, and hormone regulation
- Known for cycle-specific acupuncture, stress reduction techniques, and digestive support
- Offers functional strategies to support estrogen detox, post-op healing, and hormone resilience
- Collaborates closely with fertility clinics and surgical teams to align care across specialties
Why Her Voice Matters in Endometriosis Care
Endometriosis is not just a structural disease. It affects inflammation, the nervous system, digestion, and hormonal balance.
At ESSE Care, we value Dr. Sabo’s work because she:
- Addresses the nervous system’s role in chronic pain and inflammation
- Helps regulate sleep, digestion, and stress response
- Provides individualized nutrition and lifestyle guidance
- Supports patients before and after surgery to optimize recovery
- Offers a non-pharmacologic approach to symptom management
Her work helps patients move from reacting to symptoms to actively supporting their bodies.
Top Questions from the Endo Exchange Conversation with Dr. Mary Sabo
1. How does endometriosis affect the nervous system?
Dr. Sabo: Chronic pain keeps the body in a constant stress response. Over time, the nervous system becomes dysregulated, meaning patients may feel stuck in a heightened “fight or flight” state.
This can lead to:
- Increased pain sensitivity
- Difficulty sleeping
- Heightened anxiety
- Persistent fatigue
Acupuncture works by helping to rebalance the nervous system, shifting the body toward a more restorative state.
2. Why do so many patients experience sleep and fatigue issues?
Dr. Sabo: Sleep disruption is extremely common in endometriosis.
Chronic inflammation and stress can affect cortisol patterns, which regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Many patients experience:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Waking in the middle of the night
- Feeling exhausted despite sleeping
Improving sleep is a key part of healing because it supports both hormone balance and inflammation control.
3. How is digestion connected to endometriosis symptoms?
Dr. Sabo: Many patients with endometriosis also experience digestive symptoms, including bloating, constipation, or food sensitivities.
This is partly due to inflammation and partly due to how the nervous system interacts with the gut.
Support may include:
- Identifying food triggers
- Supporting the gut microbiome with the right nutrition
- Reducing inflammatory foods when symptoms are elevated
Importantly, there is no single “endo diet.” Each patient responds differently, and care should be individualized.
4. What role does nutrition play in managing symptoms?
Dr. Sabo: Nutrition can be a powerful tool, especially when used strategically.
She often describes inflammation as a “fire” in the body—some foods help calm inflammation while others can worsen it.
Common inflammatory triggers include:
- Highly processed foods
- Excess sugar or alcohol
- Individual food sensitivities
At the same time, overly restrictive diets are not sustainable. The goal is to find balance and adjust based on what your body needs at different times.
5. How can integrative care support patients before and after surgery?
Dr. Sabo: Integrative care plays an important role throughout the treatment journey.
Before surgery, it can help:
- Regulate the nervous system
- Reduce inflammation
- Prepare the body for recovery
After surgery, it can support:
- Healing and circulation
- Hormonal balance
- Long-term symptom management
This combination of surgical and integrative care can help patients feel more supported and improve overall outcomes.
Why We Value This Partnership
Dr. Mary Sabo brings a critical perspective to endometriosis care, one that focuses on how the body functions as a whole.
Her work complements surgical and medical treatment by addressing the systems that influence pain, healing, and long-term health.
At ESSE Care, we believe that combining advanced surgical care with integrative support leads to better patient outcomes. Dr. Sabo’s partnership ensures that patients have access to tools that extend beyond the operating room.
If you are navigating chronic pain, fatigue, digestive symptoms, or recovery from surgery, integrative care can be an important part of your treatment plan.
