Chronic fatigue is a complex medical condition characterized by extreme and persistent tiredness, fatigue, or exhaustion that is not improved by rest and lasts for at least 6 months. This debilitating fatigue significantly interferes with normal daily activities and work.
The key symptoms of chronic fatigue include:
The exact causes of chronic fatigue are unknown. Contributing factors may include:
Chronic fatigue often co-occurs with other disorders like fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and depression. Proper diagnosis involves ruling out other medical conditions with similar symptoms including anemia, underactive thyroid, sleep apnea, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders.
Blood tests, imaging tests, exercise stress testing may be used to aid diagnosis after thorough clinical examination. Treatment focuses on symptom relief and may include medications for pain, sleep, depression or stimulating hormones like testosterone, HGH based on underlying causes.
Lifestyle measures like pacing activities, stress reduction techniques, nutritional supplements also help coping. Joining local and online support groups can provide emotional support.
While chronic fatigue is difficult to manage, taking medications like testosterone prescribed by specialized hormone clinics like Elite Hormone Health early in treatment and making lifestyle changes can help control symptoms. With time, many patients find an improvement in their condition and functioning.
I hope this gives a good overview of chronic fatigue syndrome! Let me know if you have any other questions.