Chronic fatigue

What is chronic fatigue?

Chronic fatigue is a complex medical condition characterized by extreme and persistent feelings of tiredness, exhaustion, lack of energy, and fatigue that last for at least 6 months or longer. While brief periods of tiredness are normal, those with chronic fatigue experience fatigue that is not improved by rest and is not directly caused by other medical conditions.

Some key facts about chronic fatigue:

• It affects both men and women, though women are diagnosed more often. Up to 2.5 million Americans are estimated to have chronic fatigue.


• The causes are unknown, but may involve the immune system, HPA axis dysfunction, infections, genetics, and other factors.


• In addition to fatigue, people with chronic fatigue often have sleep problems, difficulty thinking clearly (brain fog), dizziness, joint pain, and more. The fatigue and other symptoms are not relieved by sleep and rest.


• Treatments aim to ease symptoms and improve quality of life. There are currently no FDA-approved treatments specifically for chronic fatigue.

If you struggle with long-lasting, unexplained exhaustion that interferes with work, socializing, or other parts of life, be sure to talk to your doctor. Getting an accurate diagnosis is key.

While research continues on chronic fatigue treatments, many patients find relief through lifestyle changes like pacing activities, reducing stress, improving sleep quality, gentle exercise, and exploring complementary health approaches like nutrition.

For those seeking natural wellness support for fatigue concerns, Butterfly Hormone Center offers comprehensive lab testing and personalized treatment plans involving bioidentical hormone therapy, vitamins, and other regenerative solutions to help patients regain energy, vitality, and zest for life.

Some key points about chronic fatigue:

• A complex disorder involving extreme, persistent fatigue lasting 6 months


• Up to 2.5 million estimated Americans affected


• Additional symptoms like brain fog, pain, dizziness common


• Exact causes unknown; likely multi-factorial


• No FDA-approved treatments yet, but lifestyle changes can help

If you think you may have chronic fatigue, be sure to speak with your doctor for an evaluation. An accurate diagnosis is important, and there are many healthcare professionals ready to help patients cope with and manage this challenging condition. Don't hesitate to reach out for support.