Endometriosis and Fatigue: What's the Deal?

Send us Fan MailIn today’s episode, I’m talking about a common symptom for us endo warriors: fatigue. Often, we don’t realize how tired we are until we start addressing other symptoms of endometriosis and experience more energy throughout the day. We don’t always recognize the signs of fatigue or understand why we have it. Today, I unpack some underlying imbalances and how to start managing them.In this episode, you’ll hear:-Feeling tired at the end of a full day is normal. What’s not normal is feeling completely exhausted after working just a few hours or taking a walk.-It’s normal to have slightly lower energy levels leading up to and during menstruation, and maybe even during ovulation. However, feeling exhausted daily and struggling to get out of bed is not normal.-Good sleep hygiene is crucial for managing fatigue. -Regular physical activity helps your body gauge when you need more energy and typically boosts your overall energy levels.-Iron, B12, and folate levels significantly affect your energy. If your body is trending towards anemia, incorporate foods like red meat, dark leafy greens, brussels sprouts, broccoli, and use cast iron cookware. -Inflammation contributes to fatigue, and there are many causes. -An anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole foods helps manage inflammation. Common inflammatory foods include gluten, dairy, corn, soy, and sugar. A short-term elimination diet can help identify personal triggers.-Blood sugar imbalances can also lead to inflammation.-Stress contributes to inflammation, so learning how to reduce and manage your stress load is essential for combating fatigue.-Factors like gut infections, thyroid health, slow liver function, and adrenal health can also contribute to fatigue. These more advanced symptoms are best addressed with the help of a practitioner.The best way to start working on fatigue is by focusing on the basics: getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, and incorporating regular movement. Think of these basics as the foundation of a house.  You need a strong foundation before anything else. Remember, supplements are meant to be supplemental. You can’t substitute a poor diet or lifestyle with supplements, and good health is about the small, consistent habits you build each day.Resources:Episode 34Episode 21       Subscribe to the Aligned to Rise Podcast: Apple | SpotifyConnect w/ Alyssa:InstagramWebsiteWork w/ Alyssa:Free Period Pain PlaybookWork with me 1:1Learn more about AlyssaDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. This may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.