What is chronic fatigue?
Chronic fatigue is a complex disorder characterized by extreme and persistent tiredness, weakness, and exhaustion that is not relieved by rest and is not directly caused by other medical conditions. Some key things to know:
- Chronic fatigue is a serious and potentially disabling illness that can greatly lower quality of life. The key symptom is fatigue that lasts 6 months or longer.
- It is different from normal tiredness in that people with chronic fatigue feel exhausted even after plenty of rest and sleep. The fatigue usually gets worse with physical or mental activity.
- In addition to fatigue, people may experience widespread pain, cognitive dysfunction, unrefreshing sleep, and other symptoms that get worse after exertion.
- There are several possible causes including viral infections, immune system abnormalities, endocrine dysfunction, and more. The exact mechanisms are not fully understood.
What causes chronic fatigue?
The specific causes of chronic fatigue are unknown, but there are several theories:
- Viral infections - Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6, Ross River virus and others may trigger chronic fatigue in some people.
- HPA axis dysfunction - Problems with the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis that controls reactions to stress.
- Immune system abnormalities - Low-level inflammation may produce flu-like symptoms and fatigue.
Researchers are still investigating other potential causes like genetics, brain abnormalities, nutrient deficiencies, and more. These may vary between different cases.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS is a specific diagnosis given to people with chronic fatigue when other causes have been ruled out. Diagnostic criteria for CFS include:
- Debilitating fatigue lasting over 6 months not resolved by rest
- Post-exertional malaise that gets worse after activity
- Unrefreshing sleep, cognitive issues, muscle/joint pain
- No other medical condition that explains the fatigue
CFS is very challenging to manage. Lifestyle changes like pacing activities, stress reduction, dietary adjustments and medications can help relieve symptoms.
If you struggle with exhaustion despite adequate rest, consider getting evaluated for hormone imbalances or nutrient deficiencies. The root causes vary between cases. At Vitality Hormone Clinic(testosteronecream.biz), we dig deeper through cutting-edge testing and personalize treatment plans to tackle hard-to-find causes of fatigue. Our holistic protocols can bring new vitality even when conventional medicine falls short. Schedule a consult today!