Chronic fatigue syndrome: What it is and why women are more at risk
How chronic fatigue syndrome manifests (photo: Freepik)
Chronic fatigue syndrome is diagnosed significantly more often in women than in men. Despite its prevalence, this condition remains insufficiently studied and is often underestimated, according to professor and dietitian Oleh Shvets.
What is known about the syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder characterized by severe fatigue or exhaustion that does not improve after rest and cannot be explained by any existing medical condition.
Currently, chronic fatigue syndrome is recognized as a medical condition, but it is quite difficult to diagnose, as many other pathological conditions can present similar symptoms.
The doctor noted that it most often occurs in women aged 40–50. So far, there are no confirmed methods of curing this syndrome.
“Researchers believe that factors contributing to the development of the disease may include viruses, a weakened immune system, stress, and hormonal imbalance. It is also possible that some people are genetically predisposed to developing this syndrome,” the post says.
In addition, people with chronic fatigue syndrome sometimes show signs of weakened immune function or abnormal hormone levels, but it is unclear whether these are causes or consequences of the disease.
There is also a hypothesis that chronic fatigue syndrome may be the final stage of many different diseases rather than a single specific illness.
Other factors that may increase the risk include genetic predisposition, allergies, stress, and environmental factors.
Main symptoms
The main symptom is severe fatigue that interferes with daily activities and lasts at least 6 months. This condition does not go away even after prolonged bed rest.
A person may also experience severe fatigue after physical or mental exertion.
Other symptoms include:
- Sleep problems
- Cognitive impairment (memory loss, reduced concentration)
- Orthostatic intolerance (moving from lying or sitting to standing causes dizziness or fainting)
- Muscle pain
- Frequent headaches
- Joint pain in many joints without redness or swelling
- Frequent sore throats
- Painful and swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
Treatment methods
The doctor noted that there is no specific treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. Symptoms vary from person to person, so different approaches are used to manage the condition and relieve symptoms.
“Despite active scientific research, the exact cause and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome remain unknown. Recovery rates are estimated at only 5%,” the specialist added.
The condition progresses differently in each person, so it is important to consult a doctor to create an individualized treatment plan.
In most cases, people need to change their lifestyle, which may lead to depression, anxiety, or social isolation.
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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
