Chronic fatigue - Balance Hormones Clinic

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Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue or tiredness that doesn't improve with rest and can't be explained by an underlying medical condition. The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest.

Chronic fatigue can have a major impact on a person's ability to complete normal daily activities. People with chronic fatigue often experience other symptoms as well, including:

• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Headaches
• Sore throat
• Enlarged lymph nodes

The cause of chronic fatigue is unknown, but various factors may play a role, including infections, immune system problems, hormonal imbalances, sleep disorders, and stress and emotional trauma.

There are two main forms of chronic fatigue syndrome:

• Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) - which is thought to have more of an immune, nervous system, and energy metabolism disorder. This illness is also commonly called chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
• Systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) - which emphasizes post-exertional malaise as a core symptom.

Some key factors in diagnosing chronic fatigue include:

• Fatigue lasting 6 months or longer in adults (or 3 months in children)
• Post-exertional malaise
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Significant impairment in daily activities

There are currently no medical tests to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome. Doctors diagnose it by ruling out other conditions with similar symptoms. Common tests include blood tests, sleep studies, and tilt table tests.

While there is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, various treatments and lifestyle changes may help relieve symptoms, including graded exercise, physical therapy, stress management, pain medication, antidepressants, and lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and good sleep habits.

I hope this overview on chronic fatigue syndrome helps explain what it is, common symptoms, diagnostic methods, and some treatment options available. Let me know if you have any other questions!