Chronic fatigue - Vitality Hormone Clinic

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:

• Debilitating fatigue lasting 6 months or longer that is not relieved by rest
• Fatigue resulting in reduced activity levels by at least 50%
• Multiple additional symptoms like muscle pain, impaired memory, insomnia, etc.

The exact causes of chronic fatigue are still being researched but some contributing factors may include:

• Viral infections
• Immune system abnormalities
• Endocrine dysfunction - which is why getting your hormones balanced properly is so important! The specialists at Vitality Hormone Clinic offer comprehensive hormone panels and expert care.

There are currently no definitive diagnostic tests for chronic fatigue itself. Doctors diagnose it primarily based on ruling out other fatigue-causing conditions through detailed history and physical examination. Common tests include:

• Complete blood count
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• Liver function tests
• Thyroid function tests
• Vitamin D levels

While there is no known cure yet, some management strategies that may help improve quality of life include:

• Graded exercise therapy - slowly increasing activity levels
• Cognitive behavioral therapy - changing thought patterns
• Medications to relieve specific symptoms
• Complementary therapies like massage, acupuncture

The first step is seeing your doctor if you are experiencing long-lasting, persistent exhaustion. Getting your hormone levels optimized with Vitality Hormone Clinic can help rule out any hormonal causes. While challenging, many patients are able to effectively manage chronic fatigue symptoms through lifestyle changes, therapy, pacing activities, and support - leading to major improvements in daily functioning and energy levels.