Living with a chronic condition is not easy. You are never sure when it might flare up or when it might mean canceling your plans for the day. It is inconvenient, exhausting, and frustrating. One of the more common chronic conditions we come across is chronic fatigue syndrome. According to the Mayo Clinic, this syndrome is defined as a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can't be explained by any underlying medical condition. Think you might be experiencing chronic fatigue? Read on to find out more about this condition and what you can do about it.

Common Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue can show up in a few different ways. You might even experience several symptoms at once. Some of the symptoms of chronic fatigue include:

• Fatigue
• Loss of memory or concentration
• Sore throat
• Enlarged lymph nodes in your neck or armpits
• Unexplained muscle or joint pain
• Headaches
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Extreme exhaustion lasting more than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise
• The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest.

The most important symptom to note is that the fatigue does not disappear after adequate rest and sleep. This is a sign you might be experiencing something more than just general exhaustion.

If any, or all, of these symptoms appear, you need to contact a medical professional for an exam. Fatigue can be a symptom of many illnesses, such as infections or psychological disorders. It is important to eliminate any other medical issues before you can be sure that it is chronic fatigue.

Common Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Unfortunately, there is no single test to confirm that you are experiencing this syndrome. Why it occurs in some people and not others is still unknown. There are theories that some people may be born with the disposition already and that it is triggered by a combination of factors. Some of these potential triggers include:

• Viral infections. Because some people develop this syndrome after having a viral infection, researchers question whether some viruses might trigger the disorder. Suspicious viruses include Epstein-Barr virus, human herpes virus 6 and mouse leukemia viruses. 
• Immune system problems. The immune systems of people who have chronic fatigue syndrome appear to be impaired slightly, but it's unclear if this impairment is enough to actually cause the disorder.
• Hormonal imbalances. People who have chronic fatigue also sometimes experience abnormal blood levels of hormones produced in the hypothalamus, pituitary glands or adrenal glands. However, the significance of these abnormalities is still unknown.

These theories are still being researched in order to discover some of the real causes behind this syndrome.

How Functional Medicine Can Help with Chronic Fatigue

Functional medicine is best suited to helping people with chronic conditions. Why? Because Functional Medicine has a systemic process and expanded diagnostic arsenal for evaluating the root contributors of health and disease with a goal to optimize health and reverse or prevent chronic disease.

The focus on these details, as well as the big picture, is what will help your doctor care for your entire wellbeing and get to the root of any underlying health issues which could be contributing to your fatigue. When dealing with a chronic condition, functional medicine is one of the only true solutions you can find.

If you suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome or think you may be experiencing several of the symptoms, then functional medicine may be for you. By examining your health from a holistic point of view, your dedicated functional medical professional will be able to help you get to the root of your underlying health issues. Ultimately, this will lead to getting a better handle on your chronic condition so you can get back to living your best life.

Fight chronic conditions with functional medicine and live your best life. Are you ready for an amazing life change and to finally get the help you need? Book an Functional Medicine Consultation with Lifescape Premier today!

Resources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360490