Chronic fatigue - Optimal Hormone Solutions

What is chronic fatigue?

Chronic fatigue refers to extreme tiredness that persists for more than 6 months. It is a complex disorder characterized by intense fatigue that is not improved by rest and may get worse with physical or mental activity.

Some key points about chronic fatigue:

• The main symptom is severe and disabling fatigue that is unrelieved by rest and sleep.
• The fatigue worsens with activity, has negative effects on daily living, and lasts for over 6 months.
• The cause is currently unknown but may involve immune system abnormalities, infections, stress, changes in hormones, and genetics.
• It often co-occurs with other illnesses like fibromyalgia, depression, and anxiety.
• Diagnosis is challenging and involves excluding other medical conditions with similar symptoms first through blood tests and imaging.

Treatment focuses on symptom relief and may include:

• Learning to set limits and pace oneself to avoid post-exertional malaise
• Getting adequate rest and sleep
• Medications for pain, sleep issues, or low energy
• Gentle exercise programs
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Nutritional support

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How is chronic fatigue diagnosed?

There are no standard diagnostic tests for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Doctors first do thorough history-taking and examinations, then run tests to help rule out other illnesses with similar symptoms.

Some key diagnostic steps:

• Medical history - severity of fatigue, effect on functioning, other symptoms
• Physical exam - check for signs of illnesses causing fatigue
• Blood tests - rule out anemia, thyroid problems, diabetes
• Other tests - MRI/CT scans, sleep studies, tilt-table testing

CFS is notoriously difficult to diagnose. It is often a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning doctors rule out other fatigue-causing illnesses first. Since major depression can also cause severe fatigue, doctors often screen for depression as well.

There are no definitive diagnostic markers, but diagnosis is based on meeting core criteria like:

• New onset of persistent fatigue causing 50% reduction in activity for >6 months
• Post-exertional malaise - worsening of symptoms after physical/mental exertion
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Cognitive dysfunction

Getting an accurate CFS diagnosis requires finding a doctor familiar with the illness. The earlier it is diagnosed, the sooner supportive treatments can help manage symptoms.