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, acting as the master energy regulator, plays a pivotal role in fatigue symptoms. Declining levels of thyroid hormones, particularly T3 and T4, contribute to reduced energy production. This happens at the cellular level, impacting overall vitality. Fatigue symptoms associated with low thyroid function extend to cognitive decline, which shows the widespread influence of thyroid hormones.
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, offering relief from 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, represent another potential cause of fatigue, require thorough investigation and targeted treatment. Hormone replacement, including testosterone in menopausal women, proves beneficial in alleviating fatigue symptoms. Moreover, the loss of estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause and menopause contributes to fatigue, hot flashes, and insomnia.
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 integrative health 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.