The Struggle Is Real: How to Overcome Endometriosis Fatigue
Endowarriors, let me just say it. The struggle is real. Living with endometriosis can make us feel alienated from our friends and family. We often have to think twice about leaving our houses for a date night or friends’ lunch due to restaurant meal choices or requesting days off due to period pain.
We are incredibly strong and resilient, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t struggling with pain, stress, and endometriosis fatigue.
My job is to ensure you don’t feel alone – and for good reason! Roughly 10% (190 million) of reproductive-age women and girls globally are endobabes. You’re not alone in how you’re feeling – not in the pain during your cycle, intercourse, the flare-ups, the struggles with fertility.
I know a lot of doctors and advocates tend to focus on endometriosis because of its connections to infertility but, endobabes, we know. We know it’s so much more; we know what endometriosis feels like physically, mentally, and emotionally.
While there are many symptoms associated with endometriosis, endometriosis fatigue can be a real beast. It’s one of the most common symptoms, with more than half of endowarriors experiencing moderate-to-severe fatigue levels. So, if you’ve been feeling extra wiped out, give yourself a break.
Your body is working 10 times harder than most, and I want to help you learn how to support it as it deals with endometriosis fatigue.
Does Endometriosis Cause Fatigue?
That’s a loaded question, isn’t it? Can endometriosis cause fatigue? The truth is, it’s tough to answer this question definitively. Oh, the joys of science. So, I can’t give you a 100% yes stamp.
BUT! It’s certainly possible that your endo symptoms are leading to your fatigue. After all, your body is constantly in a battle. Who wouldn’t get tired from that?
What do I mean by this? Well, although endometriosis fatigue isn’t a common topic, inflammation from this disease is. In fact, it’s one of the most talked about side effects – aside from infertility.
For my seasoned endobabes, you might already know this, but for my endobabes just joining the fight, I’m happy to bring you up to speed.
Inflammation associated with endometriosis is caused by misplaced tissue in our systems reacting to the normal hormones of our bodies. However, as our bodies work to get rid of this misplaced tissue and bring some balance back, they release the chemical cytokine. This chemical is known to help our immune system fight the good fight but also to cause fatigue.
Therefore, while your body is hard at work fighting off this tissue throughout your cycle, your mind and body are also fighting to keep up their energy and stay healthy. This might make you fall asleep at your computer or doze off even after you’ve had a great night of sleep. You’re going non-stop.
So, does endometriosis cause fatigue? Probably. But even though I can’t give you a definitive answer on that, there’s something else I can give you some insight on.
How to Improve Your Endometriosis Fatigue
Like endometriosis, endometriosis fatigue isn’t a battle you’re destined to lose. There are ways to overcome this overpowering symptom. It all comes down to paying attention to your body and incorporating things like endometriosis supplements and other effective practices.
Here’s what I recommend!
Monitor and Address Nutrient Deficiencies
Consuming a diet low in nutrients can significantly contribute to feelings of fatigue. You’ll want to monitor and address nutrient deficiencies to deter this. Here are some of the key nutrients to pay attention to:
Iron
Vitamin D
Copper
B vitamins
Folate
Vitamin A
Incorporating these nutrients into your diet might take some focus, but it can be a lot of fun, too! You can try delicious endo recipes, take endometriosis supplements geared toward improving your intake of these nutrients, or focus on working the following into your diet:
Salmon
Leafy greens
Whole grains
Potatoes
Legumes
Dark chocolate
Berries
Get Better Sleep
For people without endometriosis, sleep is essential. For endowarriors, sleep is even more critical.
Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. If you have problems falling asleep, consider creating a sleep time routine. You could:
Turn your phone and all screens off at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Use a blue light blocker if you can’t resist that social media scroll!
Journal a bit before bed to help clear your head before drifting into sleep.
Use an object to help your brain know it’s sleep time! This could be a white noise machine you only turn on at night or even a pair of socks you only wear when hopping into bed.
If all else fails, you can also consider taking herbatonin, a plant-based melatonin that can help you drift off with ease.
Offset High Levels of Copper
Another endo secret? High levels of copper can contribute to fatigue. This is especially true if you use birth control or have a copper IUD.
To combat this and offset the high levels of copper in your system as an endowarrior, try to increase your intake of vitamin A. Work on adding foods into your diet that are endo-safe and high in vitamin A, like:
Beef liver
Salmon
Sweet potato
Turnip greens
Get Your Thyroid Checked
Last but not least on our journey of curtailing endometriosis fatigue? Getting your thyroid checked! The body works in mysterious ways, doesn’t it?
Now, here’s the thing. The correlation between endometriosis and autoimmune thyroid disorders isn’t fully understood. But an underactive thyroid can lead to fatigue.
That’s why endowarriors must get a full thyroid panel, including TSH, FT3, FT4, RT3, and TPO antibodies, to check their levels and address them accordingly. It’ll keep you updated and aware of everything going on in your body, so you know how to best support it!
Take Back Your Power
Alright, endobabes, let’s recap everything we sifted through today.
Does endometriosis cause fatigue? There isn’t direct scientific evidence that confirms it, but it’s reasonable to conclude, yes, it does. Now, is it something you have to just deal with? Absolutely not. There are so many ways you can take back your power.
It’s all about giving your body – and ultimately yourself – the attention it deserves. Remember, as an endowarrior, your superpower is getting to know your body on a whole other level. You’ll be amazed by the power you unlock when you do.
Ready to take back control and significantly reduce or eliminate that endometriosis fatigue? Join my Endo Empowered Online Program and get educated support to help you accomplish your goals!
