Endometriosis fatigue is a real thing

Wondering what the lowdown is on managing endometriosis fatigue? Let’s jump into the world of fatigue-fighting strategies and to help you reclaim your energy levels.

Have you ever felt like your body’s energy reserves are on holiday? Endometriosis fatigue is like that guest that overstays its welcome, leaving you feeling sluggish and depleted. We’re here to help unpack endometriosis fatigue and what can help.

From prioritising quality sleep to nourishing your body with a balanced diet, every step counts on the road to reclaiming your vitality. Don’t forget that stress-reduction techniques and meditation can help with your wellbeing, which can help to keep your spirits high.

When it feels like fatigue is taking over and calling the shots in your life, it’s essential to reach out for support. Whether it’s talking to your GP or seeking solace in online communities like The Lowdown, don’t hesitate to ask for a helping hand. You’re not alone.

Are you ready to share stories, tips and tactics for tackling endometriosis fatigue? The Lowdowns got your back. We have a trove of real-life experiences shared by fellow endometriosis warriors who know the struggle first-hand. Why not also let your voice be heard? Your story could be just the inspiration someone else needs to keep pushing.

What is endometriosis related fatigue? And why does endometriosis cause fatigue?

So, why can endometriosis be so exhausting? 

Endometriosis-related fatigue is a result of several factors which include:

• Chronic pain: Being in constant pain can drain your energy, leaving you feeling exhausted
• Inflammation: Endometriosis causes inflammation in the body, which can lead to fatigue
• Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal fluctuations linked with endometriosis can disrupt your sleep and energy levels

Think of it as your body’s way of waving a red flag in response to the endometrial-like tissue being outside the uterus – where it isn’t supposed to be! Chronic pain, hormonal imbalances and inflammation – these tag-team to hijack your energy levels and leave you feeling like you’re running on empty.

Some studies have shown that it isn’t only the endometriosis itself, but the pelvic pain and sleep disturbances that can have an effect on your quality of life and cause fatigue [1]. Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory full body condition and while we don’t fully understand why it causes fatigue yet, it’s clear that it can have a huge impact on your entire body.

A small study of 22 women with endometriosis who were dealing with moderate to severe pain reported that 100% of those interviewed also experienced fatigue [2]. This fatigue didn’t just affect one aspect of their lives, it had a big impact on their daily routines, emotions, social life, relationships, work or school and even physical activities. Knowing this, it’s clear how significant fatigue is for women with endometriosis.

How do you know if endometriosis fatigue has set up camp in your life? Look out for signs like feeling persistently exhausted, struggling to focus, and wrestling with a general sense of lethargy. If these symptoms sound all too familiar, it might be time to take action.

When it feels like fatigue is calling the shots in your life, it’s essential to reach out for support. Whether it’s talking to your doctor or seeking solace in online communities like The Lowdown, don’t hesitate to ask for a helping hand. Remember, you’re not alone in this battle.

What does endometriosis-related fatigue actually feel like?

Endometriosis fatigue often goes beyond normal tiredness. It often includes:

• Extreme exhaustion: feeling overwhelmingly tired even after a full night’s sleep
• Mental fog: Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Physical weakness: A feeling of heaviness or weakness in the muscles 

For many people, this fatigue can be difficult to deal with. It can affect your ability to work, socialise and in some cases, perform daily activities.

How can I help my endometriosis related fatigue?

Banishing endometriosis fatigue isn’t about finding a quick fix – it’s about adopting a holistic approach to wellness. From prioritising quality sleep to nourishing your body with a balanced diet, every step counts on the road to reclaiming your vitality. Studies have shown that endometriosis fatigue can be managed if sleep, pain, emotional wellness and everyday stress is reduced.

Some women with endometriosis related fatigue often have a decline in physical fitness. Specifically, when compared to women without endometriosis, you may have weaker lower back muscles, less flexibility in your spine and might struggle with balancing and functional abilities. What’s interesting is that the level of fatigue experienced by women with endometriosis seems to be linked to physical fitness. This suggests that exercise programmes tailored to the lower back muscles and spine could help with endometriosis related fatigue. [4]

While no high-quality research has yet confirmed the effectiveness of specialist lifestyle interventions like diet and exercise for managing endometriosis fatigue, there’s promising potential. Supporting self-management is important to help improve your life if you’re struggling with endometriosis related fatigue. One of the simplest steps you can take would be to speak to a women’s health physio specialising in endometriosis, or speaking to a dietitian or nutritionist. (Or choose our physio Kathryn who can do it all!)

How is endometriosis related fatigue different from just feeling tired?

Unlike regular tiredness that can be helped by rest, endometriosis fatigue is usually persistent and often doesn’t improve with sleep. As it can affect both the body and the mind, it can be challenging to carry out even simple tasks.

Does endometriosis related fatigue go away after surgery?

Surgery to remove endometrial tissue can sometimes provide significant relief for some people, however, the fatigue might persist even after surgery. This might be due to the body’s prolonged inflammatory response and other underlying factors. This is why it’s important to focus on all aspects of your health for your endo recovery, rather than surgery alone.

What has the community got to say?

Ready to swap tips, tricks and tactics for tackling endometriosis-related fatigue? The Lowdown’s got your back. Take a look into our trove of real-life experiences shared by fellow endometriosis warriors who know the struggle first-hand.

Living with endometriosis related fatigue isn’t easy, but with the right support and strategies, you can reclaim your energy and live life on your terms. Keep the faith, keep sharing your stories, and remember – the journey may be tough, but you’re tougher. The Lowdown community is here to cheer you on every step of the way. You’ve got this!

Ready to explore more insights on managing endometriosis symptoms? Check out our pages for advice and if you’re ready to take control of your health, book an appointment with one of our lovely women’s health GPs today!