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Chronic Fatigue Causes: Hormonal, AutoImmune, and Undiagnosed Illness

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Article Summary

Fatigue is a common issue affecting many people today. Conventional medicine often addresses fatigue by prescribing antidepressants, even when depression isn’t the actual cause. Hormones like DHEA, testosterone, and thyroid hormones play a significant role in energy levels, and their imbalance can lead to fatigue. Unfortunately, many conventional doctors overlook these hormonal causes, leaving patients with untreated chronic fatigue.

Functional medicine offers a different approach, focusing on finding and treating the root causes of fatigue. This approach includes evaluating thyroid function comprehensively, beyond what conventional tests typically check. Functional medicine practitioners also use bioidentical hormones, which are safer and more effective than synthetic versions. They also consider other factors, like nutrition, lifestyle changes, and even possible autoimmune conditions, which can impact overall energy and health.

Hormone replacement therapy, stress reduction, and proper nutrition are part of integrative treatment strategies in functional medicine. Addressing autoimmune diseases, like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and conditions like Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is also crucial. Functional medicine doctors can help investigate underlying issues, such as mold exposure, that conventional doctors might miss. By taking a holistic approach, they aim to improve patients’ energy levels and overall quality of life.

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Check out the full article below.
 

Chronic Fatigue Causes:
Hormonal, AutoImmune, and Undiagnosed Illness

Fatigue symptoms represent a prevalent concern among many people lately, with common expressions such as “I lack the energy for desired activities” or “I’ve lost the oomph I used to have.” Many individuals identify a mid-afternoon energy dip or crash as a manifestation of fatigue, and some report inadequate rejuvenation despite a full night’s sleep. In this discourse, we delve into the association between hormones and fatigue symptoms, exploring beyond conventional medical approaches.
 

Conventional Medicine’s
Unsatisfactory Approach to Chronic Fatigue

 

Conventional medical systems often employ varying strategies based on gender when addressing fatigue symptoms. Notably, a publication by the American Association of Family Practice reveals a gender disparity in self-reported symptoms, with men expressing fatigue and women describing feelings of depression or anxiety. Unfortunately, the conventional approach frequently involves prescribing anti-depressants, even when depression is not the root cause.  (Interestingly, the cause may be neurological and caused by Long COVID.)  Statistical data underscores the pervasiveness of fatigue symptoms, with 500 million annual patient visits affecting 38% of US workers and 7-45% of the general population. Despite this prevalence, finding a cure remains elusive in the majority of cases.

Hormonal Causes for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Hormonal evaluation and restoration emerge as pivotal considerations often overlooked by conventional healthcare providers. Stress-induced hormonal depletion contributes significantly to fatigue, alongside age-related declines in hormones such as DHEA, testosterone, and thyroid hormone. The peri-menopausal and menopausal transitions, surgical interventions, and autoimmune thyroid diseases further exacerbate hormonal imbalances leading to fatigue symptoms.

Bioidentical Hormones: A Better Option

Addressing hormone deficiencies is crucial for improving fatigue symptoms, and bio-identical hormones offer a safe and effective solution. Unlike synthetic alternatives, bio-identical hormones are identical at the molecular level to those found in the human body, minimizing risks associated with cancer and cardiovascular diseases. This stands in stark contrast to Big Pharma products like Premarin and Provera, which, being synthetic, pose considerable health risks.

The Thyroid Plays a Critical Role

The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolic rate, heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development, and bone maintenance. The primary hormones produced by the thyroid are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are crucial for energy production and overall metabolic health.

In the context of CFS, thyroid dysfunction is a significant area of interest. Hypothyroidism, characterized by low levels of thyroid hormones, can lead to symptoms remarkably similar to those of CFS, including fatigue, depression, and cognitive impairment. Functional medicine, which focuses on treating the underlying causes of disease rather than merely alleviating symptoms, offers a unique approach to understanding and managing CFS through the lens of thyroid health.

The Functional Medicine Approach

Functional medicine practitioners often consider a broader range of thyroid tests than conventional medicine. While standard practice typically involves measuring Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and, occasionally, T4 levels, functional medicine advocates for a more comprehensive thyroid panel. This may include free T3, reverse T3, thyroid antibodies (such as anti-thyroid peroxidase and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies), and other markers that can provide a fuller picture of thyroid function.

One critical insight from functional medicine is the concept of subclinical hypothyroidism. This condition occurs when TSH levels are elevated, but T4 and T3 levels remain within normal ranges. Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism often experience symptoms similar to those of overt hypothyroidism, including chronic fatigue. Addressing this condition can lead to significant improvements in energy levels and overall well-being for individuals with CFS.

Integrative Treatment Strategies

Functional medicine emphasizes a holistic approach to treatment, which may include:

  1. Nutritional Interventions: Ensuring adequate intake of nutrients essential for thyroid health, such as iodine, selenium, zinc, and iron, can support optimal thyroid function. Dietary modifications to reduce inflammation and support gut health are also crucial, as the gut-thyroid connection plays a significant role in overall endocrine health.

  2. Hormone Replacement Therapy: In cases where thyroid hormone levels are found to be insufficient, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may be considered. This approach aims to restore hormone levels to their optimal range, improving metabolic function and reducing fatigue.

  3. Addressing Autoimmunity: If thyroid antibodies are present, indicating autoimmune thyroiditis (such as Hashimoto’s disease), strategies to modulate the immune response are critical. This may involve dietary changes, stress management techniques, and the use of supplements like vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation.

  4. Lifestyle Modifications: Stress reduction, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity tailored to the individual’s energy levels can support thyroid function and overall health. Functional medicine practitioners often work with patients to develop personalized plans that address these lifestyle factors.

Check DHEA for Chronic Fatigue Issues

In addition to the thyroid, the discussion encompasses the role of DHEA as the master vitality hormone. Studies indicate that DHEA supplementation can significantly improve physical and psychological well-being, relieving fatigue symptoms. Exercise emerges as a natural means to elevate DHEA levels, promoting improved mood and reduced fatigue symptoms.

 

Autoimmune Diseases and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, are significant potential causes of chronic fatigue and require thorough investigation and targeted treatment strategies. These diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to a range of symptoms, including persistent fatigue. For example, in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, resulting in hypothyroidism, which can cause profound fatigue among other symptoms.

Effective management of fatigue in autoimmune diseases often involves hormone replacement therapy. In conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroid hormone replacement can restore normal metabolism and alleviate fatigue. Additionally, hormone replacement therapy can be beneficial for menopausal women experiencing fatigue. Testosterone replacement has shown promise in improving energy levels and overall well-being in this population.

Furthermore, the transition periods of perimenopause and menopause are characterized by significant hormonal changes, particularly the loss of estrogen and progesterone. This hormonal shift contributes not only to fatigue but also to other symptoms such as hot flashes and insomnia. Estrogen and progesterone are crucial in regulating various bodily functions, and their decline during menopause can disrupt sleep patterns and energy levels, exacerbating fatigue.

Addressing fatigue in the context of autoimmune diseases and menopause requires a comprehensive approach. This includes accurate diagnosis, hormone level assessment, and personalized treatment plans. In addition to hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management techniques can also play a vital role in alleviating fatigue and improving quality of life for affected individuals.

Understanding the interplay between autoimmune diseases, hormonal changes, and fatigue is essential for developing effective treatment strategies. Ongoing research continues to explore innovative therapies and interventions to better manage and mitigate the impact of fatigue in these conditions.

 

Could Other Undiagnosed Illnesses
Like MCAS Be the Real Underlying Reason?

Oftentimes when doctors have “enough” information to support their preconceived notions of what is wrong with a patient, they sign off of the assumed diagnosis instead of getting to the root cause of the person’s actual illness.  One of these other undiagnosed illnesses is MCAS, or Mast Cell Activation Syndrome.  When mast cells are out-of-whack, they can cause a whole host of symptoms that may be mistaken for other disorders.  If you want to know more about MCAS, check out this article.  Many people have trouble finding a physician to help. If this is you, consider finding someone who does functional medicine as they can likely help.  Sometimes they uncover causes such as mold when looking for clues.  Mold can generally be removed from the body by the use of specific supplements and binders.  Conventional medicine doctors usually never check for this potential cause.

 

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