Endo, adeno and PCOS. Any tips?

[Z_tz]

Hello,

I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2018 (after years of symptoms), adenomyosis in 2019 and PCOS in late 2021.

Although I experience pain, I am very fortunate that this improved following my laparoscopy and that, when it occurs, I can often manage it with prescription painkillers.

However, I suffer from fatigue on a day to day basis, and at times it is incredibly debilitating. This has always been my worst symptom and nothing I try seems to make any difference.

I understand all 3 conditions cause fatigue but my gynae now feels PCOS is the main cause. Although I am borderline underweight for my height, my gynae has suggested I try regular weight lifting to manage the PCOS symptoms. I barely have the energy to get out of bed most days, so I can't follow his advice. I have had bad experiences with hormonal contraception and these haven't proved effective either, so they are also off the table.

I'm feeling very low and wondered if there's anyone on here who also has all 3 conditions/suffers fatigue and has any tips they can share?

Any help really would be much appreciated.

Thank you,

Zoe

[LMIpswich]

HiSorry to hear you’re suffering, same here! I have Endo, adeno and ‘suspected’ PCOS but they never followed up on that and the other two conditions kind of took over my appointments so I never got it confirmed. I’ve not heard about how bad the fatigue is from PCOS but definitely suffer badly with fatigue myself. I think I’ve posted before on here that I find it one of the worst symptoms to deal with. I too get told to exercise, so I do try but then am wiped out for the rest of the day. Yesterday I did a 20 minute jog/walk in the morning then spent the rest of the day sleeping/collapsed on the sofa. So it becomes a choice between doing exercise or losing the rest of the day. I therefore have to choose carefully when to do exercise as know I’ll be good for nothing afterwards. I work part time due to the fatigue so pick my exercise days around when I’m not working. I also try low impact exercises like Pilates and a slow swim which don’t leave me as drained. Not sure I’d be up for weight lifting!

Hope you are able to find an exercise that works for you. X

[EmB18]

Has your GP done blood tests to see if there are any other reasons for your tiredness like low iron? I'm not sure if you've ever tried any diet changes but that can help with pain and energy.

[Redhen17]

Sorry to hear that ur having a bad time . I also suffer from all 3 and really struggle with progesterone based treatments as it really hits my mood . I can’t take the combined pill due to age and migraines ,

Fatigue is so tough . I’m still trying to figure out what works . I find trying to pace myself with activities helps , so if I’m out for the day then planning a relaxed one the next day .

I have hot water bottles on my pelvis and back when watching tv before bed to reduce the pain and help me sleep . I also use headspace app for sleep casts and meditation .

I’m lucky as I work part time and from home so this helps .

cognitive behavioural therapy can help with pacing for pain or fatigue . Don’t know if this an option ?

It’s really hard when it’s having such a big impact on ur life and trying ti find the right balance is tough .

Hope u get some support with this xxx