Chronic fatigue syndrome - symptoms and treatment

Category: ABC of health

What is chronic fatigue syndrome and how to treat it at home, the main symptoms of this health condition, its diagnosis and prevention - this is what we will consider today on the website alter-zdrav.ru.

What is chronic fatigue

What is chronic fatigue? And how is it different from just fatigue, which most of us felt after a day filled with stressful activities? The difference is elementary, ordinary fatigue is transitory, we rested, slept and this feeling left us. But with chronic fatigue syndrome, it does not go away; a person constantly, literally for months, feels weak, tired, overwhelmed, unable to work...

A healthy person is generally active during physical and mental activity. But with excessive abuse of this activity, with insufficient rest, prolonged stress, unfavorable and even harmful working conditions, we lose activity and the ability to work fully. In this case, a failure occurs in the human body in the vegetative system and in the body’s immune system.

Until 1988, CFS was not considered an independent disease, but now it is becoming more and more common every year.

A little historical background

Officially, the “biography” of CFS began in 1984 in the small American town of Incline Village. Then local doctor Paul Cheney registered about 200 cases of an unknown disease. Patients complained of high fatigue, depression, and muscle weakness. All of these people had some type of herpes virus detected in their blood. Similar cases have been recorded previously, but they were not widely publicized.

In 2009, US scientists put forward a hypothesis according to which the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are caused by a hitherto unknown virus. Experiments were carried out on mice, which were easily infected by it. Later, additional studies were conducted that showed that there was no CFS virus, because it was not found in any person with similar symptoms.

Several years of scientific research have passed. In 2020, a group of British scientists presented the results of their work to the world community, proving that the CFS virus exists. It was found that it is present in the human body in a latent state. It is activated for many reasons, the main one of which is decreased immunity. Scientists have argued that the CFS virus infects adolescents most of all. Once it enters the human body, it remains there forever.

However, to date the pathology and etiogenesis of the disease remain unknown. Yes, there is a theory that chronic fatigue syndrome can be triggered by viruses - it is often diagnosed in patients with early diagnosed herpes, cytomegalovirus, and enterovirus. But this is just a theory, so when identifying these and similar pathologies, you should not expect the inevitable development of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome

Over a long period of time, this failure does not disappear, but intensifies. Along with fatigue and absent-mindedness, constant migratory muscle and joint pain and cramps, migraines, insomnia or, conversely, constant drowsiness and memory problems appear. In advanced cases, the lymph nodes may even become enlarged and pain in the throat, chest, abdomen, and allergic reactions may occur. Increased heart rate, sweating, trembling of limbs, and sexual problems appear.

But these signs can also be the cause of other diseases. Only after a complete examination can life-threatening diseases with characteristic signs of fatigue be excluded and the syndrome can be eliminated.

1.What are weakness and fatigue?

Fatigue and weakness are terms that are often used interchangeably to describe how you feel. But in fact, weakness and fatigue are slightly different things, and it is important to know exactly what you feel when you say “I feel weak” or “I am tired,” because an accurate description of your condition will help the doctor correctly determine the cause of deterioration in health.

So what do weakness and fatigue mean?

• Weakness
  refers to a lack of physical, or muscular, strength and a feeling that extra effort is required to move the arms, legs, or control other muscles. If muscle weakness is caused by pain, the person will be able to perform the required activity, but it will hurt.
• Fatigue
  is a feeling of tiredness, exhaustion, or needing rest due to lack of energy or strength. Fatigue can be the result of overwork, poor sleep, anxiety, boredom or lack of physical activity. Fatigue can be a symptom of illness or a consequence of taking medications and certain treatments, such as chemotherapy. Anxiety and depression are other possible causes of fatigue.

Both weakness and fatigue are not diseases, but symptoms of some problems. Because weakness and fatigue can occur for a variety of reasons, it is important to evaluate other signs of health problems to properly diagnose and manage the problem.

A must read! Help with treatment and hospitalization!

How to distinguish normal fatigue from chronic fatigue

It is generally accepted that the following signs may be suspected of CFS:

• Fatigue lasts more than six months.
• Does not disappear even after a full long rest.
• There is no way to live an ordinary life with a measured daily routine.

The name of the disease “ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” comes from the main symptom – chronic, that is, constant and prolonged fatigue.

CFS is characterized by persistent memory loss and absent-minded attention, poor inadequate sleep, and complete loss of strength after light exertion. People suffering from this syndrome often suffer from colds and are permanently unwell, sometimes even finding it difficult to determine what exactly and where they are hurting. They are characterized by high weather dependence.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of CFS presents significant difficulties in isolating this particular disease, because the symptoms, as you can see, can appear very different, but there is no specific group of them, as such. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome is based on a general clinical picture in which one or both symptoms from the “large group” appear, as well as six or more symptoms corresponding to the “small group”.

As part of the diagnosis, somatic, infectious, oncological, psychiatric and endocrine diseases are subject to exclusion. This, accordingly, determines the need to visit a number of specialists. A blood test is also carried out to determine the relevance of infectious diseases, incl. for AIDS. In addition, a comprehensive examination of internal systems and organs is required. To top it off, we add that CFS also falls under the normal state, corresponding to a previous history of serious illness or injury.

Factors contributing to the appearance of chronic fatigue syndrome, causes

The appearance of this not harmless disease can also be caused by all kinds of viral infections, shock and stressful life situations, and all kinds of poisoning of the body.

Even frequent “harmless”, as many believe, human herpes, disorders of the immune system, and hormonal imbalances in the body can contribute to the development of this disease.

When examining a person, as a rule, deviations in the functioning of the immune system and the production of hormone levels, and changes in the brain on MRI are confirmed. Patients often exhibit abnormal levels of leukocytes.

The diagnosis of chronic fatigue is determined by excluding:

• Disorders and malfunctions of the body's immune system.
• Various sclerosis.
• Endocrine diseases.
• Heart, kidney diseases, liver diseases, tuberculosis.
• Various types of depression.
• Tumors, malignant and benign.
• Insomnia.

The causes of constant fatigue are well determined by the results of a sleep study.

Diagnosis of CFS, code according to ICD 10

The diagnosis of CFS is established after excluding other causes as a result of examination and the duration of the disease is more than six months; This syndrome is characterized by rapid and persistent fatigue. Science continues ongoing research to determine the risk factors for this disease and its causes.

Chronic fatigue syndrome must be differentiated from pathologies of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), diabetes mellitus, anemia, the effects of radiation, chemotherapy, and signs of classic depression, where fatigue will also appear at the top of the list of complaints.

Chronic fatigue syndrome according to ICD 10 - code d86.9.

Diagnosis and treatment

The causes of the disease have not yet been sufficiently studied. Some theories include viral infection, psychological stress, or a combination of other factors. No single cause can be precisely determined, also because many other diseases cause similar symptoms.

Psychological stress is one of the possible causes of CFS

There are no definitive medical tests for chronic fatigue syndrome, so your doctor will first rule out other causes of fatigue.

Chronic fatigue syndrome may be attributed to myalgic encephalomyelitis or systemic exercise intolerance disease.

Although CFS has been a controversial diagnosis in the past, it is now widely accepted as a viable explanation for this health condition.

The syndrome can occur in anyone, although it is most common among women aged 40 to 50 years. Since there is currently no cure for this syndrome, treatment focuses on relieving associated symptoms.

Researchers suggest that viruses, hypotension (unusually low blood pressure), a weakened immune system, and hormonal imbalances may contribute to the disease.

In addition, it is possible that some people are genetically predisposed to myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Although CFS can sometimes develop after a viral infection, no type of infection has been found to cause it.

Some viruses that have been studied in relation to this syndrome include Epstein-Barr virus, human herpes virus 6, Ross River virus, rubella, Q fever and mycoplasma. Researchers have found that a person who has been infected with at least three of these pathogens is more likely to develop the syndrome.

About 10 to 12% of people with Epstein-Barr virus, Ross River virus, and Q fever have the condition meeting the diagnostic criteria for CFS.

People with myalgic encephalomyelitis sometimes have a weakened immune system, but it is not known for sure whether this is sufficient to cause the disease. Additionally, people with this syndrome sometimes have abnormal hormone levels, but doctors have not yet concluded whether this is a significant indicator.

Gender also plays an important role in the development of the syndrome, as women outnumber men by almost 2 to 1. Genetic predisposition, allergies, stress, and environmental factors can also increase the risk of chronic fatigue.

Risk Factors Myalgic encephalomyelitis is most common among people aged 40 to 50 years.

Chronic fatigue syndrome - treatment

Nowadays, chronic fatigue syndrome is treated comprehensively. In parallel with this disease, people may develop depressive and mental disorders. But they are treatable if the treatment complex includes psychotherapy in combination with minimal physical activity, healthy eating, sleep management techniques, the use of sedatives and painkillers, and antidepressants.

Physiotherapy specialists develop individual sets of exercises for each patient and use them using gentle methods. The psychologist gives useful recommendations for changing the habits and lifestyle of a sick person.

Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome at home - the simplest folk remedies for CFS

• Making drinks with honey and apple cider vinegar.
• Tea with ginger.
• Infusion of St. John's wort or elecampane in courses of two weeks.
• Cinnamon tincture.
• A mixture of walnuts, lemon, aloe.
• Mix nuts, honey, lemon, dried apricots, raisins.
• Exotic lovers will love the tonic and uplifting blue tea from Thailand.

Relaxing salt baths and water treatments, from a simple visit to the pool to a Charcot shower, are very useful.

Aroma baths with essential oils of lemon and other citrus fruits, mint, jasmine relieve fatigue; you can also use an aroma lamp.

Nutrition for chronic fatigue syndrome

In order not to experience constant bouts of fatigue, it is necessary to structure your diet in such a way that complex carbohydrates predominate in it instead of simple ones, since complex carbohydrates, slowly breaking down in the body, provide it with a constant and uniform supply of glucose, which, in turn, prevents sudden “jumps” of energy throughout the day and relieves a person of fatigue. Simple carbohydrates quickly immediately provide a large amount of energy, which just as quickly “burns out” in the body, causing a sharp decline in strength.

Complex carbohydrates can be found in cereals, legumes, unsweetened muesli, whole grain bread, and pasta made from durum flour.

But it is better to avoid sugar, sweet soda, sweets, flour products, chips, crackers, chocolate bars, because they contain a lot of simple carbohydrates.

How to help yourself?

Sufferers may benefit from joining support groups and meeting other people with CFS.

However, going to groups doesn't always work, and you may find that support groups add stress rather than reduce it.

It is important to experiment to determine what works best for your specific treatment.

Some lifestyle changes can help reduce symptoms of the disease. Limiting or avoiding caffeine intake can help improve sleep and reduce insomnia.

It is necessary to limit the consumption of nicotine and alcohol. You should try to avoid napping during the day, as this increases wakefulness at night. It is necessary to create a sleep schedule - every day you need to go to bed and try to wake up at the same time. It is also important to monitor the loads. Rest while working can relieve symptoms and reduce fatigue.

Emotional and physical stress must be avoided.
It is important to spend some time each day to relax or take part in enjoyable activities. There are two types of therapy that appear to be beneficial for chronic fatigue syndrome:

1. one of them is psychological counseling, which helps to cope with the syndrome and improve thinking;
2. the other is physical therapy. A physical therapist can allow an assessment of the patient's physical condition and create a "training ground" that gradually increases in intensity. This type of therapy is known as graded exercise therapy.

Traditional medicine knows many methods for treating sleep disorders. Herbs for insomnia are one of the most effective remedies for sound sleep.

The use of essential oils is perhaps the most pleasant way to combat insomnia. You can find out which oils are most effective in this regard in this material.

Prevention of chronic fatigue syndrome

• How to cope and successfully fight chronic fatigue syndrome?
• First, it is advisable to exclude the diseases mentioned above with the same long-term fatigue, check the level of glucose, hemoglobin (iron) in the blood, donate blood for thyroid hormones.
• In order to protect yourself as much as possible from such an illness, you should try not to expose your body to stress and overload.
• Learn to rest and relax in a timely manner. To do this, you may need meditation, yoga, massage, breathing practices.
• Train yourself to get enough sleep, control your activity - work harder and more intensely in the morning, in the evening - after 20 o'clock, try not to do things that require stress, do not confuse day with night, try to go to bed before midnight (or better at 22, 22-30) and so on Further.
• Many workaholics find it good to delegate at least part of their authority to subordinates.
• It is very advisable to give up bad habits of smoking, alcohol, energy drinks and large doses of coffee.
• Instead of scandalous programs on TV, you should prefer a good book, a walk or calm music in the evening.
• It’s good to change your surroundings on weekends - go to the country house, to the forest, to the river, even just to the nearest park, you can rearrange the furniture in the house, buy new clothes. Actually, the main thing is to push yourself to at least make some kind of change.

Recovery will not come immediately, but you should work persistently in the right direction. Some patients recover within a year, while others never feel as good as they did before. Despite the fact that the incidence of CFS is constantly increasing, science confirms the chance to completely say goodbye to the disease of the century with the help of complex therapy.

At the first signs of a persistent health disorder, you should consult a doctor, undergo examinations and begin comprehensive treatment.

Drug treatment

There is currently no specific treatment for fatigue syndrome. Each person with the disease has different symptoms, so different types of treatment are available to relieve symptoms.

Acupuncture may help with CFS

Alternative treatments may be used to treat CFS. It's difficult to determine whether these treatments actually work, in part because CFS symptoms are often mood-related and can change from day to day.

To date, there is no drug treatment for this disease. In addition, symptoms of the disease may change over time. In many cases, the disease can cause depression and antidepressants may be needed.

If the condition is interfering with a restful night's sleep, your doctor may offer help treating insomnia. Pain treatment can also help manage joint pain caused by symptoms.

For pain associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, the following may help:

• acupuncture;
• massage;
• yoga or tai chi.

Emotional support and counseling can help cope with the uncertainties and limitations of chronic fatigue syndrome.

You should always talk to your healthcare provider before starting any alternative or other treatment.

Reasons for development

There are internal reasons for the development of chronic fatigue. Prolonged stress affects the functioning of human organs and systems, so chronic fatigue often occurs against the background of a malfunction in the body. The following reasons are highlighted:

• heart failure - the heart does not work at a normal pace;
• hypothyroidism - decreased efficiency of the thyroid gland;
• allergic reactions;
• pathologies affecting the respiratory system - bronchitis, asthma;
• autoimmune disorders;
• infection with a virus (cytomegalovirus, enterovirus, retrovirus). Fatigue is often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, the most common type of herpes;
• chronic diseases: diabetes, anemia, pathologies of the liver, kidneys, lungs;
• recovery period after injuries and surgery;
• poisoning with salts of heavy metals;
• infectious diseases.

Factors leading to chronic fatigue are represented by the following:

• prolonged stress and tension;
• lack of sleep or poor sleep quality over a long period of time
• acute experience of failures;
• malnutrition;
• long-term use of medications or their improper use (cold medications, sleeping pills, antihypertensives, contraceptives, antihistamines);
• sedentary lifestyle;
• poor environmental situation;
• bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol);
• loss of a loved one.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is the result of lifestyle and external influences. In some cases, the appearance of a problem indicates the development of mental, endocrine, cancer and immune diseases. You can’t hesitate, you should visit a doctor and get diagnosed.

Treatment

Drug therapy

After completing the diagnosis, treatment begins. Drugs are prescribed depending on the symptoms and factors that caused the development of the syndrome. It is forbidden to use medications independently, without a doctor’s prescription. The following groups of drugs are used:

1. Immunomodulators (Likopid, Dibazol, Polyoxidonium, Interferon). They influence the patient’s immunity, strengthen it and prevent the development of viral and colds. Prescribed for frequent relapses of diseases.
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Naproxen, Ibuprofen, Ketorolac). Used for pain in muscles and joints.
3. Nootropic drugs (Phenibut, Aminolon, Piracetam) and antidepressants (Befol, Imipramine, Toloxatone). Prescribed for prolonged stress and prolonged depression. Also used for unreasonable feelings of fear and nightmares.
4. Antiviral drugs (Kagocel, Arbidol, Tamiflu, Anaferon). Used during the development of a viral infection.
5. Vitamin complexes (Triovit, Univit, Vitrum, Centrum). To improve well-being, strengthen the immune system and correct metabolic processes, drugs from this group are prescribed.

Homeopathic medicines are used to improve well-being:

1. Gelsemium. More often prescribed to older people who are faced with manifestations of the syndrome (feelings of anxiety, severe stress, hand tremors, weakness, fear of crowds).
2. Quininum arsenicosum. The drug is used to treat adult patients who have symptoms such as: insomnia, heaviness in the body, eye sensitivity to light, brain fog.
3. Acidum phosphoricum. The medicine is developed for adolescent patients with the following symptoms: mental instability, headaches, decreased concentration and loss of visual vigilance.

Medicines in the photo

Centrum is a vitamin complex designed to improve well-being and strengthen the immune system

Interferon is used for frequent relapses of colds and to strengthen the immune system.

Arbidol is a drug for eliminating colds and viral diseases

Piracetam is a nootropic used to relieve signs of depression.

Diclofenac is used for pain in muscles and joints

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a mandatory component of the treatment of the syndrome. The specialist’s task is to explain to the patient the essence of his problem, that it can be eliminated.

During psychotherapy, psychological blocks that interfere with the patient are removed. These can be fears, worries and other negative emotions that deplete the patient’s health. It is important for the specialist to find out the questions that interest the patient. This way the doctor will be able to better understand the situation and direct therapy in the right direction.

The duration of treatment depends on the patient’s condition and the severity of the problem - from 3 months to 1 year. Consultation alone will not solve all problems, as many people think. A person’s desire to cope with the difficulties that have arisen is of great importance, so the task of treatment is to make the patient believe in himself and his strength.

Normalization of lifestyle

Chronic fatigue syndrome occurs when problems and difficulties accumulate. This is largely due to lifestyle. An important goal of treatment is to eliminate factors that interfere with the patient’s daily life.

Lifestyle restoration occurs in the following areas:

1. Dream. They determine a person’s need for sleep, since the well-known 7–8 hours are advisory in nature, and they are not suitable for everyone. Some people need less time to recuperate, others need 10 hours of sleep or even more. The main condition is that after sleep the person must fully recover.
2. Bad habits. Addictions deplete the body, causing bouts of fatigue. We are talking not only about alcohol and smoking - addiction to coffee or energy drinks has a negative impact on a person’s condition. The temporary increase in strength caused by such stimulants is replaced by decline, the body cannot work to its limits. The patient’s task is to get rid of such addictions.
3. Organization of rest. Knowing how to rest is a whole science; not everyone is able to recover properly: some people like TV, others like a computer. In both cases, the person does not rest, but only wants to think so. Doctors recommend walks in the park. Fresh air and atmosphere allow you to escape from everyday life. An interesting hobby is also a way out of the situation, since a favorite activity brings a lot of positive emotions.
4. Daily regime. It is easier for the body to work if it is accustomed to certain actions at a specific time: go to bed at 10 pm, wake up at 7 am. Leapfrogging between bedtimes and wake-ups is more debilitating than physical activity.

Healthy and adequate sleep is a necessary element for recuperation

Diet for chronic fatigue syndrome

Depression and bad mood are often associated with a lack of vitamins and nutrients in the body. The patient’s task is to compensate for the deficiency and balance the diet.

Experts recommend introducing the following products into your diet:

• seaweed;
• feijoa;
• cottage cheese;
• vegetable soups;
• porridge: buckwheat, rice, pea, oatmeal;
• kefir, yogurt, fermented baked milk;
• greens: spinach, lettuce, parsley, celery;
• honey with nuts;
• salted fish (200 g per week);
• shellfish and other seafood;
• rabbit meat;
• grape juice;
• lean veal;
• dark chocolate (but in small quantities).

What should you give up? The list of prohibited products is presented as follows:

• coffee;
• strong tea;
• fatty food;
• sweets: cakes, caramel;
• smoked products;
• cocoa;
• alcoholic products;
• carbonated drinks.

Prohibited products - photo gallery

Cocoa is excluded from the diet during treatment

Alcoholic drinks suppress the immune system, and deterioration of the immune system is one of the reasons for the development of the syndrome

Carbonated drinks are bad for chronic fatigue syndrome

Coffee has a stimulating effect, but its duration is short

Therapeutic exercise and massage

Therapeutic gymnastics has a complex effect. It activates all body systems, improves metabolism and helps remove harmful substances.

To perform the exercises, no special conditions are required, because you can do gymnastics in a chair without being distracted from the work process. Breathing is important - even and deep.

The initial stage is muscle relaxation. Then they begin to perform gymnastics:

1. Perform head turns to the right and left with fixation in the extreme position.
2. Lower your head forward all the way, fix the position for a few seconds and move your head back.
3. Pressing your chin to your chest, turn your head left and right (the chin should not come off your chest).
4. Pull your chin forward and pull your shoulders back.

A soothing massage is another way to relax. The technique eliminates muscle tension and soreness, improves blood circulation and tissue nutrition.

It is recommended to use the services of specialists. However, you can massage problem areas yourself, making circular movements around sore joints and neck.

Folk remedies

To increase the body's resistance at home, you can use traditional medicine. You should consult a doctor and consult before using them to rule out an allergic reaction.

Aqueous tinctures are very effective. A striking example is St. John's wort. To prepare you need:

1. Add 1 tbsp to 100 ml of boiling water. l. dry herb St. John's wort.
2. Let the product sit for 30 minutes.
3. A glass of medicine is divided into 3 parts and consumed throughout the day 20 minutes before meals.

Common plantain also has many beneficial properties; the plant is also suitable for eliminating chronic fatigue. To prepare the composition you need:

1. Take 10 g of dry leaves and chop them, pour 300 ml of boiling water.
2. Set the composition for 30 minutes.
3. Take the product 3 times a day, 2 tbsp. l. The duration of treatment is 3 weeks. Take the medicine 30 minutes before meals.

Herbal remedies are effective for chronic fatigue syndrome. The recipe is simple:

1. Mix oats, prickly tartar leaves and dry peppermint leaves (2 tablespoons of each ingredient).
2. Pour the composition with 5 cups of boiling water.
3. Infuse the product for 60–90 minutes (the vessel is wrapped in a terry towel).
4. The duration of treatment is 15 days. Drink half a glass 3-4 times a day before meals.

Lingonberries and strawberries are rich in vitamins and have a general strengthening effect. It is not necessary to take berries; it is enough to use plant leaves. Prepare the medicine as follows:

1. Chopped plant leaves (1 tablespoon each) are mixed and poured with 500 ml of boiling water.
2. The medicine is infused in a thermos for 40 minutes. Take a teaspoon of tincture 3 times a day.

Clover remedy relieves fatigue and has a tonic effect. It is easy to prepare a decoction:

1. Place 1 liter of warm water on the fire, add 300 g of dried clover flowers into the water.
2. Boil the product for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the broth from the heat and cool, add 100 g of sugar to it, stir thoroughly.
4. Take the infusion 3-4 times a day, 150 ml. Can be used as tea, but in the specified dosage.

Ginger is used to boost immunity. The plant has a positive effect on the emotional background and also strengthens strength.

First recipe:

1. Grind 150 g of ginger root, add 800 ml of alcohol or vodka.
2. Infuse the composition for 1 week, consume 1 tsp. 1 per day.

Second recipe:

1. A piece of root (the size of a thumbnail) is grated and poured with 200 ml of boiling water.
2. Leave the product for 15 minutes. To improve the taste, you can add a little lemon juice or honey.
3. The drug is drunk throughout the day.

Healing plants in the photo

Plantain has a calming effect

Ginger root strengthens the immune system and gives strength

Clover improves well-being in chronic fatigue

St. John's wort is often used as an antidepressant

CFS and its causes. Home diagnostics

This site is dedicated to the leading causes of chronic fatigue syndrome and endogenous depression: hypothyroidism (reduced supply of cells with thyroid hormones) and adrenal insufficiency (usually low cortisol and aldosterone).

How do I know if these diseases are the cause of MY chronic fatigue? Do I have them?

You need to conduct a simple home temperature test, as well as compare the standard symptoms of hypothyroidism with your own.

A temperature test, a pupillary test, a rising pressure test, and a sea salt test for low aldosterone will help diagnose adrenal problems.

How reliable are home temperature tests? Is this even scientific?

A temperature test is not 100% reliable, but it is much more reliable than standard laboratory thyroid tests combined, which can easily LIE. And after exploring this site, you will understand why. If your temperature + symptoms indicate that you have hypothyroidism, and the lab tests for thyroid-stimulating hormone, free T4, and free T3 look “normal,” then you most likely have hypothyroidism. Unfortunately, standard blood tests for the functionality of the thyroid gland are extremely uninformative and that is why an epidemic of undiagnosed hypothyroidism is raging on the planet today - doctors are blinded by “normal” test numbers, which only reflect the concentration of hormones in the BLOOD FLOW , and not at the cellular level.

With the adrenal glands, everything is much simpler - tests for free cortisol in daily urine or saliva are quite informative. The most important thing is not to test your morning total cortisol levels in your blood, unless you want to confuse yourself and your doctor, as I did at one time. Home tests for the functionality of the adrenal glands allow you to suspect a problem and then, using laboratory tests, either confirm or refute it.

Broda Barnes Basal Temperature Test.

You prepare a thermometer in the evening (on the nightstand by the bed) and the first thing you wake up, without getting up or talking, measure your sublingual temperature (the thermometer is strictly under the tongue). This temperature is called the basal (very first) sublingual temperature and in the absence of infection, it is a good reflection of the speed of your metabolism (the process of converting food into energy), which is regulated by thyroid hormones. Personally, I prefer digital thermometers, but a mercury thermometer will also work (however, you will have to hold it in your mouth for about 10 minutes). Under no circumstances should you measure axillary temperature - it is not informative: it strongly depends on the air temperature in the room and it varies more in people with low cortisol.

The fact is that thyroid hormones increase the temperature, and cortisol makes it stable day after day. Thermal activity reflects metabolic activity. Low temperature means slow metabolism and vice versa. Widely varying daytime temperatures indicate weak adrenal function. As adrenal function improves, daytime temperatures become more stable from day to day.

You measure your morning temperature in this way for 4-5 days and then calculate the arithmetic average basal temperature. If your average basal temperature is below 36.55 (97.8 F), then you are highly likely to have hypothyroidism. Even if the laboratory tests of TSH, free T4 and free T3 look “normal”. And the lower the temperature, the more profound the hypothyroidism. If it is above 36.7 (98.2 F) in the absence of infection, then you are a candidate for HYPERthyroidism. If your basal temperature varies significantly from day to day, for example, today is 36.4 and tomorrow 36.1, then most likely you also have a cortisol deficiency, which is often a direct consequence of hypothyroidism. Ovulating women should measure their temperature from the 1st to the 5th day of the menstrual cycle, since during ovulation the temperature jumps by 0.25-0.5 degrees due to estradiol (the main female sex hormone) and no longer reflects the metabolic rate, i.e. effectiveness of thyroid hormones.

Despite the fact that experts advise measuring the temperature for 5 days for greater accuracy, in practice, hypothyroid people very often have a morning temperature of 36.0-36.3, which almost immediately indicates some degree of hypothyroidism.

This temperature test helps not only in diagnosing hypothyroidism and hypocortisolism, but also in assessing the effectiveness of current treatment. A patient with treated hypothyroidism and normalized cortisol should have a stable temperature of about 36.6-36.7 C upon awakening and about 37.0 by lunch under the tongue.

This diagnostic test was developed by American physician Broda Barnes and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in August 1942. The author of a number of books on endocrine problems (including Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness), Broda Barnes insisted that more than 40% of Americans have hypothyroidism - significantly more than the 5% reported in official medical reports. magazines (these 5% were probably diagnosed by laboratory blood tests for thyroid hormones). In those days, the temperature test was met with much criticism and preference was often given to blood tests, but as we know today, standard blood tests for diagnosing thyroid conditions (thyroid-stimulating hormone, free T4 and free T3) contain a HUGE number of pitfalls and can easily look completely normal even in a seriously ill patient with hypothyroidism. From my personal experience and the experience of some of my friends, I can responsibly state that very often TSH, T4 and T3 look “healthy”, but at the same time the person has a morning temperature of 36.0 + all the standard symptoms of hypothyroidism. Today, according to the World Health Organization, one third of the world's population has hypothyroidism.

Does a low temperature guarantee the presence of hypothyroidism?

Not necessary. Low estradiol (the main female sex hormone) also lowers the temperature, so you need to get tested for it to rule out this scenario. In practice, the vast majority of cases of low temperature means hypothyroidism.

What if my temperature is high and I also have symptoms of hypothyroidism?

This may be a clue to the presence of autoimmune thyroiditis, low iron stores, or low aldosterone levels. Your temperature may also rise if you are producing excess amounts of adrenaline (you can notice this by a high heart rate, feelings of anxiety, etc.)

Test of average daily temperature for the state of the adrenal glands.

This test largely reflects the level of cortisol, the main hormone of the adrenal glands. In order to calculate the average daily temperature, you need to measure your sublingual temperature 3 times a day: 3 hours after waking up, 6 hours after waking up and 9 hours after waking up. If you add them up and divide by 3 (thus calculating the arithmetic mean), you get the average daily temperature. Next, you need to calculate it over 5 days (women ovulating from the 1st to the 5th day of the cycle) and if one or more average daily temperatures differs from the others by 0.1 -0.15 degrees Celsius (0.2F -0.3F), then this is a strong argument in benefit of adrenal insufficiency.

The optimal average daily temperature is 37.0 C. Ideally, a person should wake up from 36.6 upon awakening, by lunchtime the temperature should rise to 37.0 and in the evening it should drop again. It is very important not to confuse the terms “optimal” (reflects the ideal healthy functioning of the body) and “normal” (reflects the mathematical and statistical situation). Unfortunately, in the modern world of poor nutrition and bad habits, being “normal” usually means having some kind of malfunction in the body. We should not be interested in “normal” values ​​and “normal” health at all, we should always strive for the optimal!

Pupillary test for the condition of the adrenal glands.

The pupillary test primarily evaluates the amount of aldosterone (an important adrenal hormone that regulates the metabolism of salts - sodium and potassium). You need to be in a completely dark room with a mirror in one hand and a flashlight (or a phone with a flashlight function) in the other. Shine the flashlight from the side (not directly) onto the eye for about a minute and carefully observe the pupil in the mirror. In people with well-functioning adrenal glands (adequate aldosterone levels), the pupil will contract and remain that way for the entire minute. In people with low aldosterone, it will initially contract, but within 30 seconds it will increase again or pulsate in an attempt to remain contracted. Why is this happening? Low aldosterone causes a sodium deficiency and an excess of potassium, which makes your eye's sphincter muscles weak and unable to maintain pupil constriction for long. Video of unstable pupil with low aldosterone

Test for changes in pressure after rising from a lying position.

Lie down and relax for 5 minutes, and then measure your blood pressure with a tonometer. Next, stand up and immediately take your blood pressure again. In people with adequate aldosterone levels, blood pressure must rise to push blood to the brain. If your diastolic pressure (the bottom number) falls instead of rising, you are a candidate for adrenal insufficiency. In people with low aldosterone, sudden rises from a lying or sitting position are often accompanied by orthostatic hypotension - darkening of the eyes and dizziness. And this happens due to a temporary lack of oxygen in the brain.

Test for low aldosterone with salt.

Sit and relax for 3 minutes, then take your pulse. Next, drink 1-2 teaspoons of sea salt (if you don’t have it, you can use regular salt) mixed in a glass of water, and after an hour, measure your pulse again while sitting, after relaxing for 2-3 minutes. If the pulse drops significantly (more than 10 beats per minute), then there is a deficiency of sodium in the body, usually due to low aldosterone, which, in turn, is often a consequence of hypothyroidism. In this case, as a temporary solution, taking sea salt 2 times a day, a teaspoon with water, away from meals, because sodium has a laxative effect. Usually it stops weakening after a couple of days. Of course, along the way, you should normalize the function of the adrenal glands, since problems with blood pressure, pulse and dizziness when getting up are the most harmless symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. Constant weakness, drowsiness, endogenous depression, difficulty falling asleep and early awakenings 4-5 hours after going to bed, the inability to effectively digest stress - these are the more dangerous symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

If this site is about hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency, wouldn’t it be logical to name the site that way? What does chronic fatigue syndrome have to do with it in general?

The fact is that most patients with hypothyroidism for the first few years (sometimes 10-20) have no idea either about it or about the role of thyroid hormones, cortisol and insulin in the process of energy supply to the body’s cells and the brain in particular. They attribute their low energy level to “the years are taking their toll, “I work a lot and get tired”; increased need for sleep and often freezing feet - on the characteristics of the body; endogenous depression (a state of the brain in which you lose your taste for life and stop enjoying it) - due to your “experience”, age and “satiety” with worldly values; Constantly falling hair gets on your nerves and so on.. Unfortunately, the population is not trained to recognize basic malfunctions in the body and very often the symptoms of hypothyroidism are regarded as natural aging of the body and the “maturation” of the mind. And even when the patient begins to suspect the presence of a problem, he does not search for information on the Internet using the words “hypothyroidism”, “adrenal insufficiency”, but knows that he has chronic fatigue and types in this particular term into a search engine. I sincerely hope that all undiagnosed hypothyroidists will sooner or later end up on this site, where they can evaluate the functioning of their thyroid hormones using a simple temperature test. The same applies to comrades with endogenous depression, which in most cases is a symptom of hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency or diabetes, and not an independent disease.

Is it correct to call a site about hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency “chronic fatigue syndrome”? - From a scientific point of view - NO! But from a practical point of view, YES, since it is precisely by the words “chronic fatigue” that undiagnosed hypothyroidism and patients with adrenal insufficiency will search for information on the Internet. In addition, I am deeply convinced that hypothyroidism is the number one cause of chronic fatigue on the planet.

Are most CFS diagnoses actually undiagnosed hypothyroidism?

The term CFS originated in the late 1980s and was quickly popularized. It was introduced to describe situations of persistent fatigue and immune dysfunction of “unknown origin.” If a doctor diagnoses you with CFS, then this is translated into Russian as follows: “I don’t know what exactly causes your chronic fatigue and weak immunity. I understand that something is wrong in your body, since this state is not healthy, but I can’t find what.” Relatively speaking, if tomorrow doctors discover the cause of most cases of CFS, be it a bacteria, a virus or some kind of malfunction in the body, then this disease will immediately receive a name (usually consisting of one or two Latin words) and will automatically cease to be considered “chronic fatigue syndrome” " The term CFS is reserved specifically for chronic fatigue of unknown cause. In addition to fatigue and a weakened immune system, common symptoms of CFS are: poor exercise tolerance. exercise, depression, Epstein-Barr virus reactivation, unrefreshing sleep, brain fog, sensitivity to light and sound, sometimes headaches.

Janie Bowthorpe, author of the most informative resource on thyroid health, StopTheThyroidMadness.com (two books + website), believes that a huge percentage of CFS diagnoses are actually undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Consider the following facts:

1) A huge percentage of hypothyroid patients remain undiagnosed due to doctors' obsession with testing TSH, T4 and T3 (which sometimes look "healthy" in hypothyroidism), their refusal to perform a physical examination, ask the patient about symptoms and take sublingual temperature. Remember Brody Barnes' statements about the incidence of hypothyroidism being 40%+ in America versus the official 5%. If a hypothyroid person is mistakenly diagnosed with a healthy thyroid gland simply because TSH is not high enough and T4, T3 are normal (my case), and he continues to run to various doctors in search of the cause of his constant fatigue and weakness - sooner or later he may be diagnosed with CFS - like fatigue of an “unknown” reason. Another problem is that 95% of endocrinologists on the planet are lazy, undeveloped idiots who don’t even really know how to interpret laboratory tests of the thyroid gland.

2) The symptoms of CFS are extremely similar to the main symptoms of hypothyroidism.

3) In 1973, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was discovered, which was declared the “gold standard” in the diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism. Today it is known that TSH is informative ONLY if it is greater than 2, and then this means hypothyroidism. If it is less than 2, then this does not mean anything: the patient may have both hypothyroidism and healthy functioning of thyroid hormones. Millions of people around the world went undiagnosed thanks to stupid TSH tests that often only confused doctors. And about 10 years after the discovery of TSH, they started talking about chronic fatigue of “unidentified cause” in some patients. Could most CFS diagnoses actually be undiagnosed hypothyroidism? Personally, I think it’s EASY, because... I personally have seen a decent number of hypothyroid people with TSH less than 2 and all the signs of hypothyroidism, including low temperature.

I decided to create this site for several reasons:

1) There is an epidemic of hypothyroidism on the planet (every 3rd according to WHO), most of which remain undiagnosed due to reason number 2:

2) Most endocrinologists on the planet (and especially in Russia) are lazy, undeveloped blockheads who operate on knowledge that is 40 years old, despite the fact that medicine has advanced significantly since then. They don't read current research on the thyroid gland. They do not read leading books\websites\articles on hypothyroidism or hypocortisolism. Even without all this, they consider themselves very competent. For Russian endocrinologists, it is still complicated by the fact that ALL ADVANCED MEDICAL LITERATURE is written IN ENGLISH, and they simply do not speak it well. And that small percentage of ambitious developing Russian endocrinologists who speak medical English well do not stay long in our beautiful country and move to America\Canada\Europe\Australia and earn 5-10 times more there. If you read good English-language resources or books on thyroid health, you already know what the competence of most Russian endocrinologists is worth. And if you don’t read it, you will find out after studying this site.

Most endocrinologists have serious gaps in understanding the work of thyroid hormones and its relationship with other organs and systems, have serious holes in the methods of diagnosing hypothyroidism and even larger holes in the treatment strategies for hypothyroidism or hypocortisolism. Millions of people around the world continue to suffer from hypothyroidism, simply because their doctors are unable to cure them.

3) The Runet is extremely poor in quality information on the topic, again for reason number two, since Runet sites are written by the same lazy idiot endocrinologists, where they state that Autoimmune thyroiditis cannot be treated or that TSH 10 is the threshold for diagnosing hypothyroidism

4) I personally went through hypothyroidism hell, and when I had a good understanding of the disease thanks to my sufficient knowledge of English, I promised myself that sooner or later I would write a good informative website to prevent millions of other people from going through the same hell. And that time has come. I am neither an endocrinologist nor a physician. I was never drawn to medicine. Life forced me to look into all this because the doctors were not only unhelpful, they actually only encouraged me to think that I had a serious mental disorder. After all, they “checked” my thyroid and my cortisol one of the very first times and everything was “normal”!!

Useful links:

https://www.drrind.com/therapies/metabolic-temperature-graph#directions

https://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/temperature/