Stress making endo worse?

[ClaireHandley11]

Hi everyone! I was wondering if anyone would be able to help/shed some light on this.

Just a bit of background- I was diagnosed via a laparoscopy 2 years ago. Endo was contained to my ovaries but was worse on the right. I had cysts removed and it has been ok (ish) since then. I get some bloating throughout the month and my periods are still not easy.

This week I've been under quite extreme emotional stress, crying everyday etc and have been really worked up. I've noticed some discomfort on my right side particularly over the past few days.

Does anyone else find that stress aggravates their symptoms? If so, how do you cope with it?

Thanks in advance! x

[gabbiefawn]

Hey! I have been managing my pain really well until I went through a really stressful time and I’ve been having flare up after flare up. I know it’s easier said than done but try and take yourself away from the stress as much as possible. Have some time to yourself with baths or anything that relaxes you.

Hope things look up soon! Xx

[greynash]

Hi, yes there is a direct link between stress and the pain I get in my left hand side, it’s almost like a stress radar! I’ve not found a way to stop this happening, but at least being aware of it means you can do what’s in your control to reduce stress, and know that it will pass. I googled a fair bit and it seemed quite common that stress does heighten any pain conditions...

[BethanyAnn]

Hiya, I also really notice a correlation between high stress levels and increased pain, and then the increased pain makes me more tired and stressed so it’s just a vicious cycle! Try to take yourself away from the stress or try things like slow breathing to calm your heart rate xx

[gdfzhkgukl]

My endo is definitely worse during periods of stress, I recently started taking something to block cortisol and I find that helps.

[Felma]

Premenstrual depression or syndrome or Pms is what you are getting. Progesterone hormone causes this. I think you should see a psychologist or psychiatrist also.

[Brambledoggy]

I think it’s pretty well known out there that stress causes endo flare ups.

I certainly think so anyway.

[StefaniaJW]

Stress does aggravate symptoms. Poor diet, poor sleep, lack of movement.. they all contribute.

If I were you though, I'd look into something more than just a diagnosis. Are you sure the surgeon who performed the laparoscopy on you was a trained excision surgeon with extensive experience? If not, some endometriosis might be still be there look into that as well and contact me if you need names

[exMan]

I don’t have endo but my partner has it. One thing I am sure that flares up her endo is ALCOHOL intake apart from her poor diet.

After every drink, she’ll throw up all day only stopping to use the toilet alternately. At this time the pain has already started in her side reaching its peak in two days and not even painkillers will stop it. Most of the time she ends up in A&E.