Anorexia and Endometriosis

[mollyrebecca]

Hi all,

This is a slightly strange one, and nothing I've been able to find online.

Basically, I've had anorexia for about 6 years. Underweight so didn't have periods, then got a boyfriend so started taking the pill (even though I wasn't having periods, but got to be safe!).

Going on the pill gave me my periods back and it was around this time when my 'pains' started. I was diagnosed a month ago with endometriosis following a laparoscopy - where they removed stuff.

Just wondering if anybody knows if there's any link between anorexia and endo? Just curious!

Also.. my 'old' pains returned this week and couldn't be more gutted. Looks like the endo or the cysts have returned. Gutted.

Thanks xx

[Christin_a]

Hello

I'm not aware of any link, more common is people who have endo also have autoimmune conditions.

You said that you were diagnosed a month ago so the pains your getting could very much be healing still as just because your body had healed outside didn't mean it had inside as it takes alot longer to heal internally.

[Anastasia17]

If you were on the pill, did it contain oestrogen that would have enabled the endo to develop? It's worth checking what hormones your pill contains? If it contains progesterone, then it won't feed the endo.

[mollyrebecca in reply to Anastasia17]

I was on the rigevidon, which is the combined pill so yeah it did have oestrogen in .

[Anastasia17 in reply to mollyrebecca]

As it was combined usually the progesterone should avoid the oestrogen from progressing. Laparoscopy can take months to heal. Have they just investigated or more?

[mollyrebecca in reply to Anastasia17]

I'm meeting my gynaecologist tomorrow so we'll see!

It's just strange because there's a noticeable difference between the pain I have experienced since the operation, compared to the recent comeback of my 'old pain.' I'm just worried it's IBS! That's what I was told it was for so long, and if the endo has been treated, I don't want it to be IBS ..

[Anastasia17 in reply to mollyrebecca]

I was explained at a London hospital that 50%of women who have endometriosis also have IBS. The GPs often misdiagnose women with IBS only. I have both. While waiting for treatment, I have managed both condition with an exclusion diet as gluten, dairy, soya, sugar feed the oestrogen. I have reduced the sugar but not removed it as I don't appear to react to it. But as I react to gluten, dairy, soya, chocolate (contains milk and soya), caffeine, brown rice, apples, tomato purée, I have removed them from my diet and replaced them with caffeine free coffee, coconut or almond milk, vegan chocolate soya free, gluten free bread and pasta. I still have a bit of butter as my tummy has not reacted and a little bit of milk in my decaff coffee. I complement with magnesium glycenate, vitamin D (immune system), iron, magnesium and zinc, good quality evening primrose. Nuts, banana also help. Food is part of life and happiness, so you may have to be careful, but not to cut everything. You may want to ask to be referred to a gastroenterologist and/or a dietetician to help you, when you see your consultant. Hope you get the help you need with your consultant tomorrow. x

[Afrohair]

No I wouldn’t say there is a link you had anorexia so had no periods people with anorexia tend not to have periods your periods came back so the pain did you’ve always had it but never really knew as your periods stopped x

[Hidden]

I've just got a notification for this and wanted to reply. I wondered the same thing previously. I had anorexia as a teen. Quite severe, hospitalised and tube fed etc. It was actually the only time I had relief from periods as obviously when body weight goes below a certain weight we have amenorrhoea (complete absence of periods).

Itvwas a real shock to the system when I started my period again. I actually had a laporscopy to check my fertility and any damage to it at 18. Nothing was found. It was such an easy recovery I was back in uni two days after even though I felt OK to go the next day! I went straight on the evra patch then for years and symptoms were totally masked.

The only thing I'd suggest you keep an eye on is your bone density and heart health. I had osteopenia and bradycardia when I was at my lowest weight but it all resolved itself.

At 30 I started on zoladex and then prostap but because of my bone density issues previously it really was very unsafe and I had to use hrt the whole time. I also had to get my heart checked regularly incase of the hormonal treatment triggering any issues.

I did a lot of digging when I was first diagnsoed I felt somehow I had contributed to these terirble periods by not having any for 3 years. No conclusive evidence has ever been found to prove a link.

I wish you well in your recovery and your endo journey. I've been in recovery for 15 years now. It is definitely possible. Take care

[dmshi386]

HiI’ve been curious of the correlation between Endo and Eating disorders. From my experience, I struggled with an eating disorder in my teens and 20’s. I was doing well up until I was diagnosed with Endometriosis at 32. After my 2nd laparoscopy in June 2020 which failed to relieve the severe pelvic pain, I relapsed ten-fold with Anorexia. The pain was unbearable and I had no appetite. I did feel relief from exercise to a certain degree.

I’ve been in ED treatment/recovery since Oct. 2020 & since been weight-restored. I had an IUD placed feb 4th, 2021 (thinking it would help with pain and bleeding). I regret doing so, I still have my period 21 days later and it feels like it’s only getting heavier and more painful. I’m struggling to eat again, despite all of the hard work and progress I’ve made in recovery.

You are not alone!!!!

Stay strong and please take care of yourself!

PS Fū€k off Endo