Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) causes extreme tiredness of the body and mind. This fatigue is not necessarily the result of an increase in activity, but is persistent regardless. CFS can last for over 6 months, and can end after a few months, several years, or can exist throughout a person's life. The causes of CFS are unclear, and there is no cure, however, there are ways to lessen the symptoms.

Who Is Affected by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Women are two times more likely than men to suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. Those with CFS are usually between the ages of 25 to 45. It is found that patients often have unusually low blood pressure, abnormalities in the part of the nervous system that controls vital functions, as well as abnormalities in the pituitary gland, and the area of the brain that controls hormones. Some doctors treat CFS with hormone therapy.

The Most Common Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

The Most common symptom of CFS is unwarranted fatigue. A person with CFS can wake up feeling tired, can go about their daily activities feeling run-down, and can eventually find that when they climb into bed at night, they are more exhausted than ever. Another symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome is sleeplessness. CFS can show itself quickly, or over the course of several years. Those with CFS often find that they are exhausted, but cannot sleep. When they do sleep, it's often light, which prevents the regenerative deep sleep state. When a person with CFS does achieve deep sleep, they do not feel very refreshed. CFS can reduce a person's activities by 50% or more, because they are unable to mentally and physically do what they were once capable of, sometimes as few as a couple months ago. These constant physical symptoms often cause great mental stress. About 50% of those with chronic fatigue syndrome experience depression to some extent. Many have joint pain, muscle pain, and headaches. Also, many who suffer from CFS have common allergies that mimic colds.