Link between Endometriosis and RLS?

[FContreras]

I'm starting to wonder if there could be a link between endometriosis and RLS.  Looking back, I've always had RLS, it just never got to be a daily struggle until August 5th of this year.  That is when my first ovarian cyst ruptured.  I am waiting to have laproscopy for the endometriosis as it is still growing and causing daily pain, bloating, FATIGUE, along with other symptoms.  Last night it dawned on me that when my endometriosis flares, my RLS is amplified. Does anyone else struggle with both conditions? Or has anyone heard of a connection between the two?

I'm currently taking the lowest dose of Requip at night for RLS and it is working pretty well. I tried bcp for the endo, but the mood swings were too much to handle and it did not stop the growth of the endo, so I got off of it. I take vicodin or norco for the endo pain when it gets really bad.  I'm also experimenting with diet changes, but it's a very hard and slow process cutting out so much (caffeine, sugar, fats, red meat, processed food, wheat, and dairy). It's really hard to avoid caffeine when the fatigue is so crippling.

[SammyTee]

I have been wondering the same thing. Have had endo for 24 years & RLS (diagnosed) for over 15. My RLS got worse when my endo got worse. I was on Madopar for few years but then stopped working as well so changed to Sifrol which works wonders. Also, magnesium is supposed to help do I take biomagnesium.
Am in a few endo groups on FB & have started asking around to see how many women have both & have only just stated looking around on the Web for info that may show any link to the 2.

[FContreras]

I do think it is a neurological issue as the endometrioma on my ovaries may be pressing against other structures, creating pain. The doctor that diagnosed me with RLS did state that if I had pain in other areas of my body, it could trigger an increase in my RLS symptoms.  In the meantime I have been trying some new things which seem to be helping. I first off kicked caffeine (for the most part) and am really trying to go gluten free and avoid dairy, red meat, and fatty foods.  So far it's going well, but I'm taking it slow.  I also added a magnesium supplement to my usual multivitamin and B12. I did some research and magnesium deficiency is speculated to be related to increase in nerve problems and muscle contractions. I'm only on day 3 of taking the magnesium and already I am getting less RLS symptoms at night and have been cramping less with the endo.  Not sure if this related to the magnesium or my cycle, only time will tell.  I'm also going to start a iron and folate supplement soon.  Looking back on my last labs in Sept, my iron and folate levels, though in the normal range, were WAY on the low side. Apparently doctors don't look that closely at the labs.

[littlebit667]

It is probably the pain meds that is helping with the RLS.  I also have RLS pretty bad and finally found a good med (carbidopa) that helps and has few to no side effects at the level that I have to take to control it.  It seems to be a neurological concern.  You are taking the pain meds when the endo flares up which in turn helps with RLS.  However, be careful there is a whole forum here dealing with people addicted to pain meds.  It is a fine line.