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CHRONIC FATIGUE: HOW TO RECOGNIZE THAT IT'S NOT JUST EXHAUST
A condition that does not go away after sleep
When, even after a full night's rest, you wake up feeling completely exhausted, it may not be just overwork. The state of chronic fatigue is not a fiction. It is a serious functional disorder that affects a person's physical, psychological, and even social health.
What is chronic fatigue?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS) is a multifactorial disorder that lasts for more than six months, significantly limits activity, and is not associated with other diseases. In 2023, the US National Institutes of Health confirmed that CFS is neuroimmune in nature, and therefore requires an integrated approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Causes that trigger the syndrome
There may be several reasons, but most often it is a combination of factors:
Infections (Epstein-Barr, CMV, SARS-CoV-2)
Hormonal disorders (thyroid, cortisol)
Immunological instability
Disruption of the intestinal microbiota
Vitamin deficiency and trace elements (B12, D, ferritin)
Prolonged psycho-emotional stress or emotional burnout
Why are tests important?
Unlike normal fatigue, which resolves with rest, chronic fatigue does not respond to simple solutions. It is important to rule out other conditions (anemia, hypothyroidism, depression, infections) before making this diagnosis.
MANDATORY ANALYSES IF CHRONIC FATIGUE IS SUSPECTED
| Analysis name | What does it show? | What is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Complete blood count | Inflammation, anemia | Rule out infections and anemia |
| Ferritin, iron | Iron stores | Important for muscle weakness |
| TSH, T3, T4 | Thyroid function | Detection of hypo/hyperthyroidism |
| Cortisol | Adrenal gland condition | Stress response assessment |
| Vitamin B12, folic acid | Neuromuscular tone | Identifying deficits for correction |
| CRP, ESR | Inflammatory processes | In chronic subclinical inflammation |
Research: What the Science Says
2021 study (Nature Communications) found decreased mitochondrial activity and impaired cellular energy metabolism in patients with ME/CFS. Other publications, for example in Frontiers in Immunology, prove a change in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the blood of such patients.
Support methods
Chronic fatigue is not treated with a «single pill.» Instead:
Psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy)
Gradual physical activity (graded)
A diet rich in protein and antioxidants
Sleep normalization (melatonin, relaxation techniques)
Drugs for correction of deficiencies (based on tests)
Phytotherapy (rhodiola rosea, ashwagandha, lemon balm)
What to do if you suspect you have chronic fatigue
Consult a therapist or family doctor
Get an advanced laboratory examination
Avoid overloading even on «good» days
Keep a diary of your activity and symptoms
Gradually, without rushing, restore the rhythm of life
The aforementioned syndrome still remains a challenge for medicine. However, timely detection and support help significantly improve the quality of life of people who encounter it.
