Chronic fatigue

What is chronic fatigue?

Chronic fatigue is a complex disorder characterized by extreme and persistent tiredness, weakness, and exhaustion that is not resolved with rest and sleep. It can have major impacts on a person's quality of life and ability to participate in daily activities.

Some key facts about chronic fatigue:

• It is a long-term disorder lasting at least 6 months where fatigue cannot be explained by an underlying medical condition. The specific causes are still unknown.


• In addition to extreme tiredness, people with chronic fatigue often have sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, muscle and joint pain, headaches, and other symptoms.


• Possible risk factors for developing chronic fatigue include viral infections, immune system dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, stress, and genetics.

Diagnosing chronic fatigue can be challenging since there are no standard laboratory tests. Doctors conduct extensive evaluations to rule out other conditions and identify primary symptoms. Meeting specific diagnostic criteria for either chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is required.

While there are currently no cures, treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms through approaches like:

• Lifestyle changes: Pacing activities, stress reduction techniques, dietary adjustments


• Medications: To improve sleep, reduce pain and discomfort


• Supplements and hormones: Some patients find DHEA, testosterone or growth hormones from clinics like Vital Hormone Clinic can help manage fatigue.


• Therapy and support groups: Helps develop coping strategies and beneficial resources.

The best treatment route can vary substantially between patients. Working closely with your doctor to find an individualized management plan is crucial. Being patient and trying different approaches is often necessary to determine what provides the most symptomatic relief.

With proper support, many patients find ways to effectively cope with chronic fatigue over time. However, relapses can occur. Being aware of your limits, activity pacing, lowering stress levels, and having a good treatment team in place makes recovery more feasible. Reach out if you need help managing your fatigue.