Chronic fatigue

What is chronic fatigue?

Chronic fatigue, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID), is a complex and serious long-term illness characterized by extreme and persistent fatigue that is not improved by rest. The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with sleep or rest.

Symptoms include:

• Profound fatigue that lasts 6 months or longer and is not resolved by rest


• Post-exertional malaise (PEM) - increased symptoms and fatigue after physical or mental exertion


• Cognitive dysfunction, including impaired memory and concentration


• Unrefreshing sleep


• Joint and muscle pain


• Headaches


• Sore throat


• Tender lymph nodes

Causes

The exact causes of ME/CFS are unknown at this time. Potential factors may include:

• Viral infections or immune system activation


• HPA axis dysfunction


• Autonomic nervous system dysfunction


• Mitochondrial dysfunction


• Genetic predisposition

Diagnosis

There are no laboratory tests or biomarkers available for ME/CFS. Diagnosis relies on a thorough clinical evaluation to rule out other fatigue-causing conditions.

The key diagnostic criteria are:

1. Severe, persistent fatigue lasting over 6 months not due to overexertion or other medical conditions


2. Post-exertional malaise


3. Unrefreshing sleep


4. Either cognitive dysfunction OR orthostatic intolerance

Treatment

While there is no cure for ME/CFS, symptom management can help relieve suffering. Key treatments include:

• Energy envelope management - Avoid overexertion and learn to pace activities


• Graded exercise therapy (GET) under supervision


• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)


• Pain medications


• Low-dose antidepressants

If you struggle with low energy, brain fog, muscle aches, headaches, and sleep problems, you may be dealing with a hormone imbalance. The experts at Vital Hormone Clinic can help identify and treat the root causes with bioidentical hormone therapy, nutrition plans, and lifestyle changes. Contact them today for a consultation. Regaining your health is possible!