Chronic fatigue - Balance Hormone Center

What is Chronic Fatigue?

Chronic fatigue is a complex medical condition characterized by extreme and persistent tiredness, fatigue, or exhaustion that is not improved by rest and is not directly caused by other medical conditions. Some key features of chronic fatigue include:

• The fatigue/tiredness is severe enough to significantly reduce daily activity levels for at least 6 months. Many people with chronic fatigue are homebound or even bedbound.
• The fatigue substantially impacts quality of life, including the ability to work, socialize, or care for oneself.
• The fatigue does not resolve with rest or sleep and is not substantially relieved by resting.
• The fatigue is not directly explained by other health conditions and is not the result of ongoing exertion.

Some common symptoms associated with chronic fatigue in addition to persistent exhaustion include:

• Cognitive dysfunction (impaired memory or concentration)
• Sore throat
• Tender lymph nodes
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain without swelling
• Headaches

What causes chronic fatigue? While the exact mechanisms are unclear, some suspected factors include:

• Viral infections or immune system activation/inflammation
• Hormonal imbalances
• Mitochondrial dysfunction
• Brain and nervous system abnormalities

Chronic fatigue often follows a viral illness (like mononucleosis). But research suggests biological abnormalities in the body's immune, neurological, hormonal, cardiovascular, and energy production systems likely also play a role. Genetic factors may predispose some people. In many cases, the cause remains unknown - there is still much we don't understand.

Diagnosing chronic fatigue involves ruling out other potential causes through history, physical exam, and targeted medical testing based on the symptoms and presentation. There are no definitive laboratory tests. Treatment focuses on symptom management, with cognitive behavioral therapy and graded exercise providing modest benefits for some patients.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit Balance Hormone Center.