Chronic Fatigue & Endometriosis

More than half of women with endometriosis are daily handicapped by chronic fatigue.

Beyond a debilitating fatigue (more than 6 months) that persists even after several nights of more than 12 hours, it is a physical and mental exhaustion that prevents leading a normal life.

This chronic fatigue can be caused by endometriosis, or other chronic diseases (HIV, hepatitis, diabetes, Crohn's disease, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia...) but can also be considered a condition in its own right: it is called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as neurasthenia, chronic mononucleosis, yuppie flu, or Lake Tahoe syndrome).

There is no official medical treatment, but therapeutic treatments with a holistic approach to test in hopes of improving one's quality of life in the long term.

When Does Fatigue Become Concerning?

Persistent exhaustion despite rest requires attention. Here are the indicators of abnormal fatigue:

• Prolonged duration: Intense fatigue lasting beyond 6 months.
• Lack of post-exertion recovery: Discomforts appearing following physical exertion.
• Constant exhaustion: A feeling of fatigue that persists despite several long nights of sleep, indicating non-restorative sleep.
• Cognitive or physical symptoms:
  • Cognitive function impairment, affecting memory and attention.
  • Orthostatic intolerance, or difficulty maintaining a standing position.
• Other associated symptoms:
  • Sleep disorders, such as insomnia.
  • Cardiac rhythm anomalies, such as tachycardia.
  • Muscular, neurological, respiratory, ENT, urogenital, intestinal pains, suggesting an underlying condition.

Chronic Fatigue: A Major Symptom of Endometriosis

It is commonly accepted that each case of endometriosis is unique, reflecting the diversity of women who suffer from it. This is manifested by the variability of lesions, from their location to their extent, directly influencing the symptoms and their degree of severity.

Among these manifestations, chronic fatigue stands out as the most frequently encountered symptom by women with endometriosis. This fatigue is often perceived as an invisible handicap, heavily impacting the daily lives of those affected.

Living with chronic fatigue can be particularly stigmatizing, affecting not only social life but also professional capacity, sometimes leading to isolation.

The symptoms of endometriosis are exhausting. The daily management of pain and various disorders associated with endometriosis prevents the body from resting adequately. The varied symptoms, including intense pain that can be paralyzing, digestive and urinary problems, as well as pain during sexual intercourse, illustrate a body in constant struggle against inflammation. This set of disturbances leads to persistent and chronic fatigue.

Endometriosis and the Immune System

The nature of endometriosis, closely linked to complex immune reactions, significantly contributes to the development of chronic fatigue. This disease, by affecting or resulting from a compromised immune system, makes the body less able to fight off external aggressions. Whether the weakening of the immune system is the cause of endometriosis or it is the endometriosis that depletes the immune defenses, the result is a more vulnerable and fatigued organism.

Hyper-estrogenization and Fatigue

Endometriosis leads to an overload of estrogen, putting the liver under strain. An overproduction of estrogen excessively burdens the liver, and when it reaches its limit, the entire body feels the fatigue. Similarly, the intestines, which house 80% of immune cells, undergo additional pressure, contributing to the overall exhaustion of the body.

Other Potential Causes of Chronic Fatigue

In France, it is estimated that 130,000 to 270,000 individuals, with a prevalence twice as high in women as in men, are affected by chronic fatigue syndrome. Despite its notable presence, this syndrome remains largely misunderstood, misinterpreted, and without any specific treatment available.

The diagnostic process proves to be complex due to the difficulty in assessing its criteria: a debilitating fatigue, feelings of malaise after physical exertion, sleep disturbances, as well as impacts on cognitive functions (such as difficulties with attention and concentration).

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the treatment options to relieve patients remain limited.

Regarding the potential causes of this chronic fatigue syndrome, no definitive conclusion has been established. However, several hypotheses are being studied, involving infectious, stress-related, environmental, or genetic factors, often in relation to dysfunctions of the immune system and the autonomic nervous system.

Solutions for Relieving Chronic Fatigue

Naturopathy

Thanks to nutrition, dietary supplements, herbal medicine, essential oils, gemmotherapy, among other methods, a naturopath can find a multitude of resources to help improve sleep and regain better energy.

Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture, moxa sticks, cupping, and energy massages are techniques to stimulate vital energy where it is blocked. When we are tired, it has a significant impact on our body and the functioning of our organs, which is where Chinese medicine can help to restore balance.

Body Mobility & Relaxation Techniques

Osteopathy, Physiotherapy, Yoga, Pilates, Meditation, Sophrology, Hypnosis… Many therapies can help as complements to regain more restorative sleep while boosting our energy!