Endometriosis or something else....

[AlwaysRight1985]

39 years old, fairly severe endometriosis, currently awaiting a hysterectomy after five previous laparoscopies. Also premature ovarian insufficiency which may or may not be related - luckily I've managed to get the peri-menopause symptoms fairly under control so far with supplements as they won't give me HRT until after the surgery.

My main issue is that I AM EXHAUSTED. I have a fairly simple life in real terms given I live alone with no kids and literally only have myself and cats to look after. My job can be stressful but it's only mental not physical work and can mostly be done from the comfort of my sofa.

I'm doing everything that I can - eating well, going to the gym, getting fresh air, taking the aforementioned supplements... previously had low iron, vitamin D and B12 so am taking additional of those. Most recently bloods were done about six weeks ago but came back fine. In terms of meds I do take Tramadol (only when I really really need to), Trazadone (anti-depressant) and propranolol (anti-anxiety).

I've always been a decent sleeper apart from one prolonged period of insomnia as a teen - I'd usually be up at 530 (start work at 7) and go to bed at 930, read for a while and fall asleep 10-1030 maybe. Now I cannot read for more than a few minutes without literally dropping my book on my face, and if I didn't set an alarm I could literally now sleep until 8-9am.

Any suggestions at all or do I really need to go back to the GP? I haven't really noticed any other symptoms except maybe an increase in my endo pain and IBS-type symptoms (bowel endo) but just put that down to Christmas food choices!

I have endo and a lot of this resonates with me. Do you get to exercise much? Tbh I find this helps with my energy more than anything. It doesn’t have to be heavy duty work-outs but it needs to be fairly regular (2x + a week) if you’re up to that.

For iron I recommend the 200mg ferrous sulphate and high grade vit D gummies.

Can I ask what supplements you find useful for peri?

I try to do at least two Pilates/Barre sessions a week, I used to run miles but now a fast walk is all I can manage. Although one of my jobs keeps me on my feet and constantly moving for between 4-8 hours a week.

I already take those exact ones for iron and vit D and that's what I thought would make a difference but sadly hasn't. As for peri I'm taking black cohosh, ashwaganda calm, and magnesium and zinc. I also take tryptophan to help with sleep.