More than half of all women withendometriosis suffer from chronic fatigue on a daily basis.
Beyond the disabling fatigue (more than 6 months) that persists even after several nights of more than 12 hours, it's a physical and mental exhaustion that prevents you from leading a normal life.
Chronic fatigue can be caused byendometriosis, or other chronic illnesses (HIV, hepatitis, diabetes, Crohn's disease, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia...), but can also be considered a pathology in its own right: it's called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as neurasthenia, chronic mononucleosis, yuppie disease or Lake Tahoe syndrome).
There is no official medical treatment, but there are therapeutic treatments with a holistic approach that you can try to improve your quality of life over the long term.
When does fatigue become a concern?
Persistent exhaustion despite rest requires attention. Here are the indicators of abnormal fatigue:
- Prolonged duration: Intense fatigue lasting more than 6 months.
- Lack of post-exertion recovery: Discomfort following physical exertion.
- Constant exhaustion: A feeling of fatigue that persists despite several long nights of sleep, indicating non-restorative sleep.
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Cognitive or physical symptoms :
- Impaired cognitive function, affecting memory and attention.
- Orthostatic intolerance, or difficulty maintaining a standing position.
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Other associated symptoms :
- Sleep disorders, such as insomnia.
- Heart rhythm abnormalities, such as tachycardia.
- Muscular, neurological, respiratory, ENT, urogenital and intestinal pain, suggesting an underlying condition.
Chronic Fatigue: A Major Symptom of Endometriosis
It is widely accepted that each case ofendometriosis is unique, reflecting the diversity of women who suffer from it. This is reflected in the variability of lesions, from their location to their extent, directly influencing symptoms and their degree of severity.
Among these manifestations, chronic fatigue stands out as the symptom most frequently encountered by women withendometriosis. This fatigue is often perceived as an invisible handicap, weighing heavily on 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 the pain and various disorders associated withendometriosis prevents the body from resting properly. The various symptoms, including intense pain that can paralyze, digestive and urinary problems, and pain during intercourse, illustrate a body in constant battle against inflammation. The result is persistent, chronic fatigue.
Endometriosis and the Immune System
The nature ofendometriosis, closely linked to complex immune reactions, contributes significantly to the development of chronic fatigue. This disease, by affecting or resulting from a compromised immune system, renders the body less able to fight external aggressions. Whether the weakened immune system is the cause ofendometriosis, or whether it isendometriosis that depletes the immune system, the result is a more vulnerable and fatigued body.
Hyperestrogenization and Fatigue
Endometriosis leads to estrogen overload, putting a strain on the liver. Overproduction of estrogen puts excessive strain on the liver, and when it reaches its capacity limit, the whole body feels the strain. Similarly, the intestines, home to 80% of the body's immune cells, are put under extra strain, contributing to the body's general exhaustion.
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 widespread presence, this syndrome remains largely misunderstood, poorly interpreted and with no specific treatment available.
The diagnostic process is complex, due to the difficulty of assessing its criteria: incapacitating fatigue, feelings of discomfort after physical effort, sleep disorders, as well as impacts on cognitive functions (such as difficulties with attention and concentration).
Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, treatment options to relieve patients remain limited.
As for the potential causes of this chronic fatigue syndrome, no definitive conclusions have been reached. However, several hypotheses are being investigated, involving infectious, stress, environmental or genetic factors, often in relation to dysfunctions of the immune and autonomic nervous systems.
Solutions to relieve Chronic Fatigue
Naturopathy
Through nutrition, dietary supplements, phytotherapy, essential oils and gemmotherapy, among other methods, a naturopath can find a multitude of resources to help you sleep better and regain better energy.
Chinese medicine
Acupuncture, moxa sticks, cupping and energetic massage are all techniques used to boost vital energy where it is blocked. When we're tired, it has a huge impact on our body and the functioning of our organs, which is what Chinese medicine can help to rebalance.
Body Mobility & Relaxation Techniques
Osteopathy, physiotherapy, yoga, Pilates, meditation, relaxation therapy, hypnosis... A wide range of therapies can help us to get a better night's sleep and boost our energy levels!