Chronic illness - Vitality Hormone Clinic

What is chronic illness?

A chronic illness is a medical condition that persists for a long period of time, often for the rest of a person's life. Some examples of common chronic illnesses are diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and asthma.

While acute illnesses or injuries go away completely with treatment, chronic diseases typically cannot be cured but can be managed through medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, etc. Living with a chronic condition can seriously impact quality of life.

Key Characteristics

• Lasts 3 months or longer: By definition a chronic illness persists for an extended time, unlike acute illnesses.
• Incurable: Chronic diseases are ongoing and recur over time. Medicine can only control symptoms.
• Cause physical limitations: Most chronic conditions cause some degree of disability or pain.
• Require lifestyle adaptation: Successfully managing a chronic illness requires significant lifestyle changes.
• Can be invisible: Some chronic illnesses like chronic pain have no visible symptoms.

Impacts of Living with Chronic Illness

• Physical symptoms like fatigue, weakness, pain
• Emotional struggles like depression, anxiety, grief
• Social isolation and stigma
• Limitations to work, education, relationships
• Financial stress from medical costs and lost income

Successfully navigating life with a chronic illness requires patience, self-care, social support, and working closely with your medical team.

If you are struggling with a chronic health condition, the caring professionals at Vitality Hormone Clinic are here to help. Our integrative approach combines bioidentical hormone therapy with lifestyle changes to help patients feel their best while managing illness. Contact us today to learn more!