Are you tired of feeling tired all the time, no matter how much rest you get? Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, might be the culprit. It is estimated that approximately 2.5 million Americans suffer from CFS, and women are diagnosed with the condition at two to four times the rate of men. With the recent onset of Long COVID, I suspect the number of people facing chronic, debilitating fatigue is higher than ever.

But what exactly is CFS, and how can you tell if you have it? Let’s break down the basics of CFS, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

What is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)?

Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is a medical condition that causes people to feel extremely tired and exhausted for a long time. If you have CFS, you may feel like you don’t have any energy, even if you rest a lot. It can affect your daily life, making it hard to do things you used to enjoy, like playing sports or hanging out with friends. When severe, it can be difficult to simply stand upright or lift a hairbrush.

CFS is a complex disorder that may be caused by a variety of factors, such as hormonal imbalances, immune dysfunction, and gut dysbiosis. I’ve found the best approach to look at the root causes of CFS and then work with practitioners to develop a personalized treatment plan to help restore energy and improve overall health.

What causes chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)?

Chronic fatigue can be linked to your body’s energy factories. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells that convert food and oxygen into energy. Mitochondria can become damaged quite easily, causing your metabolism to run less efficiently or even shut down completely. This can result in a range of symptoms, including physical and mental fatigue, memory loss, pain, and rapid aging. Chronic fatigue is the most common symptom associated with poorly functioning mitochondria, and it can have a tremendous impact on your daily life.

Early on in my health journey, and years before an diagnosis, an infectious disease doctor suggested that I might have stupid mitochondria. He wasn’t too far off.

Along with damaged mitochondria, CFS can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as:

• Viral infections such as Epstein-Barr virus
• Hormonal imbalances
• Gut health issues
• Environmental toxins
• Mold-related illness
• Autoimmunity
• Underlining infections (such as dental infections, Lyme Disease)
• Food sensitivities/allergies

What Does Chronic Fatigue Feel Like?

Fatigue can manifest in different ways for different people. Some people may feel a general sense of tiredness or exhaustion, while others may experience more specific symptoms, such as muscle weakness, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. The tiredness goes beyond the feeling of merely having slept poorly, and often manifest as a crushing and debilitating sense of physical and mental fatigue.

Who is at risk for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)?

CFS can affect anyone, but women are more diagnosed with CFS at a much higher rate than men, and it often affects people in their 40s and 50s. Other factors that may increase the risk of developing CFS include viral infections, hormonal imbalances, stress, exposure to environmental toxins, and other underlying imbalances in the body. However, these risk factors don’t necessarily mean that you will develop CFS.

Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome

In addition to fatigue, people with CFS may experience a range of symptoms, including:

• Muscle and joint pain
• Headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disturbances
• Tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
• A sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat
• Muscle weakness

How is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) diagnosed?

Diagnosing CFS requires ruling out other potential causes of fatigue, such as sleep disorders, thyroid dysfunction, hormone imbalance, and autoimmune conditions. A thorough evaluation may include a physical exam, blood tests, and other diagnostic tests as needed. It’s often a lengthy and involved process.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment

The good news is that there are things you can do to protect your mitochondria, address factors contributing to your fatigue, and promote better energy levels. By taking steps to support your body’s natural energy production, you can help keep your mitochondria healthy and avoid the negative effects of chronic fatigue.

When we talk about chronic fatigue, practitioners are looking at things like Lyme disease and mold, nutrient malabsorption, gut health, and sleep apnea. They also look at emotional health because sometimes people have had childhood trauma that can predispose one to issues later in life.

A good doctor will examine immune health, mineral and nutrient levels, and assess if there is an underlying infection. They investigate whether there is a toxicity, if gut health a problem, and whether the patient is getting adequate sleep. Doctors may also look at lifestyle factors, such as stress and lack of exercise, that can contribute to fatigue.

From there, they may recommend lifestyle changes, including improved sleep habits, a healthier diet, targeted supplementation, stress reduction, prescription medications, and, if tolerated, some exercise.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is just one of the dozen or so diagnoses I’ve collected over the years. I recently compiled a guide of all the things I’ve learned and applied that have helped me: Autoimmune Disease: My 14-Step Roadmap To Recovery. If you’re suffering from CFS, I invite you to take a look and talk to your doctor about anything you think could help.