Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a disorder that causes extreme fatigue or tiredness that does not go away with rest.

The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity, but it does not improve with rest. CFS affects more than one million people in the United States, with women more commonly affected than men. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, but several factors may contribute to its development. These include:.

Viral infections: Some viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus, human herpes virus 6, and mouse leukemia viruses, may trigger chronic fatigue syndrome.
Immune system problems: Some people with chronic fatigue syndrome may have immune system problems that affect their ability to fight off infections and other illnesses.
Hormonal imbalances: People with chronic fatigue syndrome may have abnormal levels of hormones, such as cortisol, that regulate energy and stress.
Psychological factors: Some people with chronic fatigue syndrome may develop the condition due to psychological stress, such as emotional trauma or anxiety disorders.

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The primary symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome is unexplained fatigue that lasts for six months or more. Other symptoms may include:.

Muscle and joint pain: People with chronic fatigue syndrome may experience muscle and joint pain without swelling or redness.
Cognitive difficulties: Some people with chronic fatigue syndrome may have trouble concentrating, remembering things, or processing information.
Headaches: Many people with chronic fatigue syndrome report headaches, either as a standalone symptom or as part of a more complex headache disorder.
Sleep disturbances: People with chronic fatigue syndrome may have problems falling asleep or staying asleep, or may feel tired upon waking or sleep more hours but not feel refreshed
Dizziness and lightheadedness: Some people with chronic fatigue syndrome may experience dizziness or lightheadedness when they stand up due to low blood pressure.

Treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Currently, there is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, but a combination of treatments may help manage symptoms. These treatments may include:.

Medications: Antidepressants can be used to treat depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances often associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. Pain relievers like acetaminophen may be helpful to manage muscle and joint pain.
Therapies: Several types of therapy are available, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which involves talk therapy with a mental health professional to help manage symptoms and develop coping strategies. Graded exercise therapy is another treatment that involves gradually increasing physical activity levels over time to build endurance and combat fatigue.
Lifestyle changes: People with chronic fatigue syndrome may benefit from making lifestyle modifications, such as getting enough sleep, working with a dietitian to develop a nutritious eating plan, reducing stress through meditation or relaxation techniques, and prioritizing activities and rest periods to avoid overexertion.

Conclusion

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating, chronic condition that affects more than one million Americans.

While the exact cause of CFS is still unknown, several factors, such as viral infections and immune system problems, may contribute to its development. The primary symptom of CFS is unexplained fatigue, but other symptoms, such as muscle and joint pain, cognitive difficulties, headaches, sleep disturbances, and dizziness, may also occur.

Currently, there is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, but a combination of medications, therapies, and lifestyle modifications may help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.