Over the past year or so, fatigue has become one of the most common symptoms I see in my clients. Although bloating has traditionally been number 1, fatigue now frequently ranks as the top issue. This shift in symptoms has prompted many to question why fatigue is so prevalent in Endometriosis and, more importantly, how to overcome it.
Fatigue in Endometriosis is not the same as the tiredness you might experience after a poor night’s sleep. It’s a deep, unrelenting exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest. Even after a full night’s sleep, you may wake up feeling as tired as before. This type of fatigue can be accompanied by brain fog and an inability to focus, often making daily tasks feel like walking through mud.
There are several key reasons why fatigue is so common in Endometriosis. The first is nutrient deficiencies. When you have Endometriosis you’re likely to suffer from gut issues, such as bloating or alternating constipation and diarrhea, which point to a condition known as leaky gut. This condition prevents the gut from properly absorbing nutrients, leading to deficiencies. Despite eating a nutrient-rich diet, your body may not be able to absorb the vitamins and minerals it needs, especially those crucial for energy production like B vitamins, iron, and vitamin D.
The second factor is food intolerances. Almost all my clients are intolerant to common foods like gluten and dairy. When these foods pass through the gut, their undigested proteins can enter the bloodstream and even cross the blood-brain barrier. Once in the brain, these proteins act as opiates, which can lead to that foggy, sluggish feeling. Additionally, food intolerances worsen leaky gut, further exacerbating nutrient deficiencies and fatigue.
Another significant contributor to fatigue is the fact that Endometriosis is a chronic disease. Living with Endometriosis often means dealing with symptoms that dominate your daily life, which can be extremely stressful. Stress, in turn, increases inflammation in the body, and since Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition, this creates a vicious cycle. The body is in a constant state of high alert, and the immune system is always working overtime, using up valuable energy and nutrients.
Finally, many of my clients also experience sleep disturbances. Poor sleep, because of pain or other symptoms, can increase inflammation, worsen fatigue, and further tax the immune system.
In some cases, fatigue may also be linked to an underactive thyroid. It’s common for thyroid issues to go hand in hand with Endometriosis, but because many thyroid tests only look for results in a "normal" range, the problem may go undiagnosed. Even at the low end of normal, thyroid function can still be impaired, contributing to fatigue.
So, how can you fight fatigue and increase your energy levels? The first step is to eliminate gluten and dairy from the diet. This helps to reduce fatigue and heal the gut, improving nutrient absorption. Additionally, getting more sun exposure is essential for raising vitamin D levels, which are often low when you have Endometriosis. Aiming for 10 to 20 minutes of sun exposure on unprotected skin can significantly boost energy.
Another important strategy is establishing a solid sleep routine. Gentle exercise, like yoga or walking, can help with winding down at night, but it’s important not to eat too close to bedtime, as digestion can interfere with restful sleep. Cutting off fluids by 7:00 PM can also reduce the likelihood of waking up in the middle of the night to go to the toilet.
Taking these steps can create a positive feedback loop where small improvements in energy lead to the motivation to make further changes. By addressing the root causes of fatigue in Endometriosis, you can start to reclaim their energy and improve your overall well-being.
If you’d like to have a personal chat about options to get more energy, book your complimentary Endometriosis SOS Call: https://theendometriosisnutritionist.online/endometriosis-sos-call/