Immune System: Does anyone here feel like... - Endometriosis UK

Endometriosis UK

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Immune System

WanderingFox profile image
15 Replies

Does anyone here feel like they have a super low immune system, like they’re just permanently trying to fight something off?

I’ve read endo maybe can cause a low immune system but there’s not enough proof either way.

I just seem to constantly have allergies and catch the cold constantly and even when I don’t have sniffles I just feel like my body is constantly trying to fight off something (the endo I assume) and I’m tired all the time with it.

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WanderingFox profile image
WanderingFox
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15 Replies
Heloo85 profile image
Heloo85

Higher levels of estrogen can wreak havoc on your immune system! I am currently allergic to most things! I am prone to infection! I’ve had sepsis!..

Only thing I can say is try keep your estrogen levels low! Easier said than done, I know!

Google foods to lower estrogen! Drink plenty of water. Exercise and try keep weight within a healthy range! It’s not a cure but might help! Xx

Laraele profile image
Laraele in reply toHeloo85

I agree lifestyle and nutrition are key but not everyone with endometriosis has high oestrogen, it’s become very demonised since endo was previously categorised as an oestrogen dominant condition. That being said, of course drinking water, exercise can only be a good thing

Heloo85 profile image
Heloo85 in reply toLaraele

Of course it’s down to high levels of estrogen! Estrogen is the ‘growth’ hormone! Progesterone is the ‘shrink’ hormone! Hence why nearly all cancers are estrogen receptive! It’s estrogen that tells cells to proliferate! No, your estrogen levels may not be high, in terms of high on blood! It could be that your progesterone is low! Could be your testosterone levels are high (we can turn testosterone into estrogen). But it is caused by an imbalance of hormones!.. But ultimately, to get DIE you need high levels of estrogen! To get cancer you need high levels of estrogen!… That’s why obesity is linked to cancer! Fat cells produce the estrogen needed for cell proliferation!… So when I say ‘high’, I don’t mean high as in yours going to get cancer! I mean in relation to your other hormones! Xx

JulesUK profile image
JulesUK

Yes, I think back to before I had endo and how I was at the gym at 6am and working late and I’m amazed by the things I used to achieve but since endo I often feel things are a constant effort and also feel I’m so boring if people ask how I am I could constantly real off a list each time! The only positive with lockdown is that I found I was not picking up coughs, colds etc all the time but now that’s all changing. Of course I am older now but I still noticed a difference when I was younger.

Strongspirit7 profile image
Strongspirit7 in reply toJulesUK

I agree with you. I have always been full of energy and bubbly but since the endometriosis has worsened to stage 4 quite rapidly it has resulted in me giving up on the active things that made me happy because it exhausts me. I can't control the unpredictable bowel movements. I try to remain active as this is so important to remain mobile but when I overdo it I have to lay down because the fatigue is so bad and it makes me self conscious that my family might think I'm being lazy. I have been creating garden projects for something to achieve as I had to give up choir. This is now so important for my relaxing time but it's so important to find things to occupy your mind when you feel so uncomfortable. It's really good to try and find things that keep you feeling positive ❤️

JulesUK profile image
JulesUK in reply toStrongspirit7

Yes it is otherwise it’s a downward spiral. At my worst I stopped making plans because this condition is so unpredictable I didn’t want to let people down at the last minute and that caused me to reach a low place so I now consciously force myself to do things. I’m sorry you’ve had to give up things that you enjoy. I find being in garden therapeutic. I empathise with worrying others think lazy but I’m sure that’s not the case . I always used to feel like a fraud because I would generally only see people when I was having good days so I’m sure everyone assumed I was a just fine all the time. Hopefully more warm days here mean more opportunities to enjoy the outside and feel positive. ❤️

Strongspirit7 profile image
Strongspirit7 in reply toJulesUK

Yes absolutely and the things I have had to give up are a goal to reach and work towards once I have an operation. This keeps you positive and motivated to get to your goals rather than do nothing and deteriorate. Do what your body signals. It's ok to rest and nap if fatigue sets in, look after your mental health. Stay active as much as you can. Don't be too hard on yourself ❤️

JulesUK profile image
JulesUK in reply toStrongspirit7

Excellent advice not just for endo but for everyone. x

Strongspirit7 profile image
Strongspirit7 in reply toJulesUK

Thankyou 🥰

WanderingFox profile image
WanderingFox in reply toStrongspirit7

I have unpredictable bowel movements too and my gp keeps dismissing it as ibs or related to my gallstones, so frustrating.

Strongspirit7 profile image
Strongspirit7 in reply toWanderingFox

Bowel movements that seem different to what you are used to or worsen often are a cause for concern. Most important to check no blood in stool. My bowel behaviour has worsened over the last year and it does impact on your plans to save yourself any embarrassing moments you might need a toilet asap! I always say you know your own body and you know if there's something not quite right. ❤️

Lindle profile image
Lindle

Endo is a condition of immune and endocrine systems (with many autoimmune characteristics reported) so allergies and intolerances are common. Liver health is very important in trying to balance hormones and to metabolise them as efficiently as possible. I know it is easy to say as we know so little about how endo wreaks havoc with these systems but avoiding an overload of chemicals is likely to help - so avoiding processed foods, alcohol and caffeine (both of which can increase oestrogen levels) and avoiding medications that might inhibit the metabolism of hormones can all potentially help. I have had multiple allergies for nearly 40 years but cutting out the protein in commercial cow's milk really does seem to have helped massively (A1 beta casein). I only drink goat's/sheep's milk products now (A2 beta casein).

Em_46 profile image
Em_46

Yes. All the time. You can guarantee that if there is a cold or sniffle going around then I will get it! I do think that there is a link between constantly being tired and low immune system....

AtomicHair profile image
AtomicHair

Yes, totally. My husband has a low immune system and is classed as vulnerable, yet I catch everything and he doesn't and even when he does its not ad bad as what I get. Very frustrating. I find it really hard to shift infections too.

Blue1745 profile image
Blue1745

Hi,Endometriosis does cause immune suppression but they won’t classify it as an immunosuppressive disease as they claim they don’t have enough research!

I’m 43 but feel like I’m 90 most days. I have to nap in the afternoons on my days off and I’m permanently tired it never goes away.

I’ve had endometriosis since my periods started around 30 years ago and I’ve tried all sorts medications and surgery. Everything works for a time but when I get sick it flares up again.

The only good thing at this stage in my life is that my periods are becoming less frequent and the symptoms of peri menopause started some time ago.

If the specialists were all female and experienced symptoms this disease would have been researched extensively many years ago not just coming to head now 🙁.

I can only suggest you take vitamins and mineral supplements and try not to eat too much sugary foods xx

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