Endometriosis, Fibromyalgia And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: What Can You Do About it?

Because women with endometriosis often present with symptoms that are also common in people suffering from autoimmune diseases (inflammation, fatigue, infertility, chronic pain and on), many medical professionals believe that endometriosis patients could have abnormal immune system function. It is not clear whether this is a consequence of endometriosis or even a possible cause of the condition.

Women with endometriosis are — according to some scientific studies — more likely to suffer from:

• Celiac disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Certain autoimmune thyroid disorders
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Fibromyalgia

What do all these disorders have in common? That's right — inflammation is a key factor in all of them, just like it is with endometriosis. 

What is the link between fibromyalgia and endometriosis?

Although men can have fibromyalgia, the overwhelming majority of those who are diagnosed with the condition are women. Endometriosis, meanwhile, obviously only develops in women. One study attempted to get to the bottom of the link between fibromyalgia and endometriosis. Looking at thousands of women who were diagnosed with endometriosis, they discovered that endometriosis patients have fibromyalgia at over double the rate seen in the general female population. The study also found that one in five endometriosis sufferers have more than one other medical condition, and nearly a third of those either had fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.

A different study exploring the link between endometriosis and fibromyalgia found that four in 10 endometriosis patients reported having tender points and widespread pain, symptoms seen in fibromyalgia. 

Diagnosed fibromyalgia patients additionally often say that they suffer from painful menstruation, also extremely common in women with endometriosis. Some fibromyalgia patients even note that their fibromyalgia pain shifts depending on the stage of their menstrual cycle, while those approaching the menopause say their symptoms grow worse. This may be because estrogen, which dwindles after the menopause, helps regulate serotonin production. Serotonin, in turn, plays a role in pain processing.

How are endometriosis and fibromyalgia managed?

Women who have both fibromyalgia and endometriosis can benefit from:

• Painkillers
• Antidepressants, which don't just help with mood but also improve sleep and other symptoms
• Hormone therapy to reduce the symptoms of endometriosis
• Corticosteroids can also be explored

Many patients additionally look into non-pharmacological treatments such as physical therapy, talk therapy, and even alternative remedies such as acupuncture. Women who see different doctors to manage their different conditions should always make sure that each doctor knows what medications they are taking. It is even better if your healthcare providers can coordinate your treatment.

What is the link between chronic fatigue syndrome and endometriosis?

Research has found a shocking link between endometriosis and CFS; endometriosis patients have chronic fatigue syndrome a hundred times more often than the general female population! Curiously, we know that there is an overlap between fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome as well.

What is the link between these two conditions? A very interesting study suggests that brain changes as a result of stress may be to blame for both. Neuroplasticity — the brain's process of reordering itself, as it were — happens throughout everyone's life, but the brain is more plastic during certain times. Experiencing extreme stress of trauma during these times can cause changes in the functioning of your central nervous system, hormones, and immune system. This, the theory goes, can then cause disorders like chronic fatigue syndrome. The research in question didn't find a connection between such stressful events and a diagnosis of endometriosis alone, but discovered that women who had endometriosis and chronic fatigue syndrome endured more than their fair share of stressful events, both during childhood and adulthood.

What can you do to ease symptoms when you have both endometriosis and chronic fatigue syndrome?

There are a lot of ways to manage endometriosis and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Changing your diet

Consuming a healthy diet that contains just the right amount of proteins, healthy fats, carbohydrates and making sure you get enough nutrients is very important. Cutting out highly processed foods is probably the biggest dietary favor you can do for yourself, as these junk foods cause your blood sugar levels to fluctuate, they do not offer enough nutrients, and they contain unhealthy fats that increase inflammation. Caffeine and alcohol are also bad news, so consume them in moderation if at all.

Try some supplements 

If you have anemia — often associated with the heavy menstrual bleeding that is so common in women with endometriosis, and which also induces fatigue — it's important to increase your iron consumption. You can do this by eating iron-rich foods or by trying supplements. You can also take vitamin D supplements to try to boost your energy levels.

Work out

People who suffer from chronic fatigue and pain may not feel like working out, but although it is a bit counterintuitive, exercising on a regular basis is one of the best ways to increase your energy. To prevent yourself from becoming demotivated, commit to a very gentle exercise routine — a walk, a jog, some yoga, or a swim will do the trick. Increase the intensity of your workouts very slowly, and in consultation with your doctor.

Better sleep

Getting enough sleep is one of the best ways to boost your energy levels, but if you suffer from insomnia or disordered sleep, that's more easily said than done. Working on your so-called sleep hygiene will help, however. This means going to bed and getting up at the same time each day, making your bedroom a comfortable and quiet space, and giving yourself time to wind down before bed by engaging in a soothing pre-sleep routine (take a bath, read a book, listen to some gentle music).