The Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) & Mononucleosis
I finished up the book – The Immune System Recovery Plan by Dr. Susan Blum. This book has taught me so much valuable information — highly, highly recommended 🙂
The last chapter she writes about the connection between auto immune conditions and viruses and one came up consistently in her analysis – the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). EBV is a common virus that causes infectious Mononucleosis (Mono for short) also referred to as Glandular Fever.
Mono is spread by infectious saliva. I’ve heard it referred to as “the kissing disease”. Mono invades the lymph nodes and proceeds to attack lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are small white blood cells that play a major role in the activities of the immune system.
- sore throat lasting two weeks or more
- swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits and groin
- a persistent fever
- fatigue
The Epstein Bar Virus & Your Immune System
I contracted Mono as a teenager and was sick for months. I slept day in and day out. That was all I wanted to do. My throat was so sore and super swollen. I couldn’t eat much of anything. While I made it through the months of sickness with Mono, I haven’t been the same since.
The glands in my throat have been swollen ever since and my left tonsil is huge! Chronic Mono (lasting for more than six months) is suggested to be the cause behind chronic fatigue syndrome, a symptom that I have most definitely dealt with since.
I wonder about the connection with EBV and my own immune system issues (i.e. Hashimoto’s and Endometriosis). In one of the support groups that I interact with the subject of endometriosis and Mono came up and of little surprise many, many women with endometriosis have had Mono in their lives at some point.
Dr. Blum points out that while EBV is present within many auto immune conditions, it hasn’t been proved scientifically if the EBV is a causative factor or the result of an already faulty immune system.
Regardless once EBV is present it doesn’t go away and while it may lay dormant for many years, it can flare up at any time causing similar symptoms including chronic fatigue.
Since EBV enters the lymph nodes in the neck and throat, the thyroid is most susceptible to damage. Thus there is a strong link between EBV and thyroid issues.
On the Positive Side?
Dr. Blum outlines a healing plan for auto immune conditions in her book and she does mention that by following this path that the body will be in a much better condition to fight off EBV. While there is no “cure” for EBV it seems like it can be contained by supporting the immune system.
I find it interesting when there are connections between different conditions — like EBV, which sends an attack on the immune system and auto immune conditions.
Could the presence of this virus play into endometriosis? I’m not sure, and this would only be proven if all women with endometriosis have it in their bodies, which I don’t think is the case.
Regardless, I do think the presence of this virus has an obvious impact on your immune system. What about you….
Have you had Mono sometime in your life? Do you suffer with chronic fatigue?
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below…..
Found you while googling Epstein-Barr health coaching, as I graduated from INN and was contemplating possibly starting a blog as a side project. I have both endo and ebv, so I thought this was interesting. Who knows? I know my immune system could use some boosting, but it’s hard to do with EBV when you have a million food sensitivities and poor digestion. I did heal my endo with acupuncture and haven’t had a flare in two years… which I’m so grateful for, but dealing with EBV hasn’t been much fun! So glad you’re finding your way through healing the endo and good luck with the rest of the course. 🙂
Hi Brigitte – always nice to interact with other IINers 🙂 Good to hear that your endo is under control. I am definitely interested in trying out acupuncture especially for my fertility issues. Good luck with your healing journey.
I had a severe case of EBV when I was in my early 30’s. Viral load was literally off the chart (to the extreme right on the bell curve of infection levels). During this time period I also began experiencing extreme cramping with my period. I am now in my mid 40’s and have just been diagnosed with stage 4 Endometriosis with Frozen Pelvis. In a nutshell, all of my internal female organs have scarred over with endometrial tissue and actually fused together into one giant mass. I was very interested to read your blog about the possible link between the two conditions and will be doing further research. Interestingly, my mother suffered a severe case of Mono in high school and also suffered from an extreme case of Endometriosis as an adult resulting in a full hysterectomy in her early 30’s. hmmmmm.
Thank you for you comment. I am sorry to hear about your struggles with endo. I think that there is a definite connection between the immune system and endo. Once EBV becomes severe, it becomes even harder for our immune systems to keep up. Sending you love and healing.
I’ve heard about a new ultraviolet machine called the UVLRx that’s being used for Epstein Barr patients. It uses a fiber optic thread which is inserted directly into the vein and the treatment lasts for an hour, so all the blood is treated. Has anyone tried this?
I haven’t heard of that. Sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Hi, I’ve been researching and your blog came up and I found it really helpful. I got mono when I was 16 (a bad case, had to be hospitalized for more than a week) and wasn’t the same after that. I got endometriosis, IBS, depression…chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms. I even had problems with my insuline for a year after the mono. It’s so crazy the amount of information I’ve been reading about Epstein barr and how the doctors don’t give you any warning when you get it. Thank you for your post!
Hi Julieta! So glad you’ve made the connection with EBV. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out Anthony William’s Medical Medium books: https://amzn.to/3hITom9
I’ve been following his protocols for EBV for the past few years with success. Much love. 💛
I had mono when I was 7 and was hospitalized for a week.
I had a laparoscopy when I was 19 with confirmed endometriosis. I’ve suffered for many from chronic fatigue
I had a terrible case of mono at age 6, then another bad round that left me with chronic fatigue (syndrome never diagnosed) and illness susceptibility, at age 9. I had endometrial symptoms from age 16 to 27 (first period on), when I opted for a hysterectomy. I have never had a single regret, childless, or not! Endometriosis was exhausting and excruciatingly painful. I have ALWAYS suspected a connection between the two. In addition, I have a heart arrythmia, and delayed gastric emptying. I strongly suspect these conditions are also related. I have been repeatedly tested for EBV throughout my life. The same symptoms tend to reappear when I’m really run down, so that’s pretty often, overall. I should be part of a case study.
I have a close friend who had mono in high school. She too developed endometriosis, which resulted in infertility. We were both athletic and energetic before mono, with drastically changed lives afterward.
Very interesting. Thank you for sharing. I think that with anything it’s hard to prove that one “caused” the other, but I think the immune system factor plays a big role with endometriosis.
Hey… Greetings from Germany. I had the EBV for more than 3 month in 2014. Last year – a bit more than one year later – they found Endometriosis in Stadium III. I asked my doc, how that could be, i never had problems with my period before the Laparascopy. He told me, that there would be a very high connection between both of it. And he also told me, that my Endo can become less worse, when i work on my Immune System. Interesting, or? First, i hated the Endo – but now i hate the EBV. What a killer 🙂
Hi Kerstin – I also believe we can better address endometriosis by addressing our immune systems, starting with improving your gut and digestive processes.
I think that most people have the EBV virus in their systems but it’s not always active. I’ve heard that it can flare up. Not sure if there is a connection directly correlated to endo, but I think there is a definite immune system component involved with both.
I have struggled with thyroid issues chronic fatigue and endometriosis!! This makes so much sense ! I need a support group of some sort . I feel awful most days . Thank you for all the good info !
Hi Shellie – sorry to hear this. I did start a private Facebook group called Finding Peace with Endo, would love to see you there. Sending LOVE.
Aubree
I had EBV when I was a teenager and was ill and off school for months bedore 1st symptoms of my endo started within 1 year so this link is very interesting.
Interesting the endo symptoms started happening afterwards. Could be a connection there for you.
Hello, I have stage 3/4 endo and chronic fatigue as well. I had mono when u was in high school 14 years ago. I’m wondering about getting more info on this. Not that anyone will listen to me anyways but I’d still like it.
Hi Margaret – What kind of info are you looking for?
Hi Aubree,
This morning I was with my dog in a public garden and I start to think about EBV and endometriosis.
I thought about it because my wife (33 yrs old) has a very painful endometriosis and, at sametime, a deep fatigue.
Her blood tests showed a strong anaemia.
We don’t know if she had in her life EBV.
We would like to have children but, till now, nothig at all.
I did a spermogram and everything is normal.
I write it to you only to share a case.
I like very much your blog. Thanks a lot.
Luis
PS: sorry for my english
Hi Luis – Your wife should be able to test for EBV via a blood test from her doctor. I think this could be a cause of a lot of issues. A high percentage of people have the virus, but it lies dormant.
I have a book on my shelf I’m getting ready to read called Medical Medium. I think he goes deeper into EBV and chronic illness. Here’s a post from his blog: http://www.medicalmedium.com/blog/epstein-barr-virus-revealed
Anthony mentions there are over 60 different types of EBV. It may not show in blood tests because they have yet to identify them all. The only EBV that they know and can test for is Mono.
True. I have an updated post about this: http://peacewithendo.com/2016/11/epstein-barr-virus-ebv-blame.html
I highly recommend all the Medical Medium books. His suggestions have helped me more than any others.
Hi Aubree,
I find your article to be quite interesting since I was diagnosed with Endometriosis at the end of 2014 and in 2016 I had a bad case of Glandular Fever (I was hospitalised and was off work for 3 weeks). I have not fully recovered from it and I get sick every month without fail for 2 weeks minimum and am constantly tired. My tonsils seems to flare up during my menstrual cycle and even though I have mentioned it to doctors but it just gets brushed aside. I’m really frustrated at this point since my sick leave has been exhausted and my employer is not very pleased with me getting sick so often. I’m currently on Visanne to control my Endo symptoms and have been advised to remove my tonsils. What’s strange is that I never suffered with tonsils before this so the Doctor thinks the EBV from the Gladular Fever is probably breeding in my tonsils and when my immune system is compromised, it flares up, unfortunately for me, it’s every month. I have never felt so depressed and alone as I do now. I feel sick every day of my life. How is this normal and how can you explain this to people without feeling like an hypochondriac?
It definitely sounds like EBV! I too can trace back the deterioration of my health issues after I had mono, on to thyroid disease, and now what feels like fibromyalgia. It’s unfortunate that the doctor’s brush it off like they do. I’d highly recommend picking up the book Medical Medium, as he gives a protocol to help kill off the virus. His book changed my entire perspective and has given me hope that it’s possible to feel better: http://amzn.to/2z3Pjnf
It takes time. Hang in there, love.
Very interesting, I don’t remember being diagnosed with Mono; but I was sick all the time with colds etc as a child and had my tonsils out at 11. I had problems with my period since start of my menses, but wasn’t diagnosed until I was 19 with Endometriosis. I have severe endo, even after a complete hysterectomy 16 yrs ago. I was also diagnose with Fibromyalgia and have all the symptoms of CFS and have had a ton of other ailments as an adult. Last month I was diagnosed with Chronic Re-activated EBV.
Now I am wondering how Many things are related?? Could it be EBV caused Endo? Nice blog.
I think that EBV is a definite factor to consider. I have written more about this since this old post and highly recommend checking out the Medical Medium books. Anthony William goes more into detail about EBV and how to help kill it off: https://peacewithendo.com/2016/11/epstein-barr-virus-ebv-blame.html
I have chronic Epstein barr and endometriosis. I believe that the ztress 9f the endo may be what reactivates the mono and causes the chronic fatigue. I would love to hear if you found any more info in your research.
Indeed. Stress is a key factor. I have written more about this and highly recommend you check out the Medical Medium books. He provides guidance on how to help kill off EBV and his methods work. I’ve had great success. Learn more here: https://peacewithendo.com/2016/11/epstein-barr-virus-ebv-blame.html
If you haven’t already heard about Electro Dermal Scans, I highly recommend looking into it! The scan will tell you exactly where in your body EBV is hanging out as well as some other really great information about your health. It was life changing for me! I’ve been doing homeopathy that works with my body and 75% of the virus is gone. It’s no longer living in my reproductive organs which was causing Endometriosis, PCOS and hormonal issues. As a result, my hormones are now balanced and I no longer have Endometriosis or PCOS!
Awesome! I haven’t heard of this. Thanks so much for sharing, love. And congrats on your success.
Hello, I had mono when I was 11 yrs old and was bed half the school year. Also started my monthly periods the same year. I suffered painful heavy periods and thought it was normal and (mis)?diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome.
I was diagnosed with endometriosis in my 40’s it was all over my bowels and she removed as much as she could and also removed my left ovary.
At age 45 I had an endometrial ablation witch caused my heart to stop beating on the operating table. Was clinically dead for 2 & half minutes.
Currently I’m 52 and have high blood calcium levels. Afraid it may be cancer or hyper parathyroidism.
My body aches, I don’t sleep well.
Also(irrelevant?) my tonsils were removed when I was 16 and they grew back. Ugg
Hi, Diane! Sounds like you’ve been through so much. And the near death is so scary!
I’ve since written more about EBV, which could very well be the culprit to the issues you’re having. Check it out: https://peacewithendo.com/2016/11/epstein-barr-virus-ebv-blame.html
I’ve found great success following the protocols to help kill off EBV in the Medical Medium books: https://amzn.to/2SnmWKt
Please let me now if I can help further. Much Love 💛