CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder of unknown cause that has become epidemic in America. As many as 10 million Americans may have this disorder. When many people began to suffer from this baffling illness in the 1970’s and 80’s, there was no clear definition of what it was. The Centers for Disease Control eventually gave a precise definition in order to make it easier to do research. However, the causes and treatment were unknown.
Slowly, through the efforts of researchers in basic and clinical science, a picture of what happens in this disorder is beginning to emerge.
The initial cause is nearly always a major stressor such as an infection, physical or emotional trauma, childbirth, overwork or sleep deprivation. This sets up a downward spiral of events within the body that results in multiple systems that do not function normally.
Sleep is difficult with loss of the deep stages (3 and 4) where most of the bodies repair work is done. Generalized achiness, pain in the muscles and multiple tender spots (fibromyalgia) develops due to poor sleep.
The brain’s master gland controller, the hypothalamus, stops working well so that the thyroid, adrenal and sex glands develop low functioning. A low functioning thyroid (which often occurs despite “normal” thyroid blood tests) leads to lack of energy, weight gain, dry skin, brittle hair and nails, intolerance to cold and fluid retention. An underactive adrenal gland causes the output of cortisol, the bodies stress hormone, to decrease. This leads to hypoglycemia, poor immune function (frequent or chronic infections), allergies, poor sleep, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc) and low blood pressure. Thirst and frequent urination often accompany this. The ovaries and testes make inadequate amounts of estrogen and testosterone. This causes low sex drive and menstrual problems in women. Loss of muscle mass and increased fat accumulation will also occur.
Nutritional deficiencies are a contributing factor. Excessive intake of sugar, alcohol, highly refined foods; caffeine and saturated fats are all stressful to the body. Without the proper nutrients available, the body is unable to repair itself when a major stressor happens. The stage is set for CFS to develop. Yeast overgrowth of the intestines is another common part of CFS.
Depression is often part of CFS but is usually a reaction to loss of functioning and chronic pain. Treating the underlying body malfunctions usually leads to resolution of the depression.
Fortunately, a skilled physician who is knowledgeable about all of these factors is able to help the majority of people with this problem. Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum is an internist who suffered CFS in medical school and has spent his career learning how to treat CFS. He did a double blind placebo controlled study of patients with CFS in the late 1990’s. Using a protocol that treats all of the problems at the same time, he was able to relieve all the symptoms in 40% of patients and give substantial relief to another 45%. Only 15% of treated patients got little or no relief. Most people who improved were doing much better within 2 months of the start of treatment. The diagnosis and treatment of the various causes can be complex and both physician and patient need to have patience while working to develop an effective treatment regime. If you suffer from CFS and/or fibromyalgia, consult a health practitioner who is knowledgeable about both the underlying physical causes and how to treat them. A good support group can be helpful for emotional support, referrals to effective physicians and for learning about the latest treatment advances.
RESOURCES
www.endfatigue.com Dr. Teitelbaum’s website has all the web links to various
organizations and you can order his book “From Fatigued
to Fantastic”
Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Association
of America, Box 220398, Charlotte, N.C. 28222-0398 800-442-3437
www.cfids.org
Fibromyalgia Network, Box 31750, Tucson, AZ 85751, 800-853-2929
www.fmnetnews.com
Daniel Blodgett MD