Always Tired? 4 Signs You're Coping with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

More than 3.3 million Americans have myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a poorly understood condition that causes persistent and unexplained fatigue lasting six months or longer. 

Doctors don’t know what causes ME/CFS, but its symptoms can be wide-ranging and challenging to identify. Because it often presents differently from person to person, many individuals struggle to get a proper diagnosis.

At HealthFirst, with locations in Greenwood Village, Colorado, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, Dr. Jonathan Singer and Jacqueline Woodrum, DO, have years of experience diagnosing and treating ME/CFS. 

Here, we highlight four of its most common symptoms and explain how a custom treatment plan can help.

1. Persistent and unexplained fatigue

Everyone gets tired occasionally. This is especially true for frequent travelers and parents with children at home. However, if your exhaustion continues for six months or longer, even when you regularly get adequate rest, the cause could be ME/CFS. 

In addition to extreme fatigue, many people with ME/CFS experience other symptoms, such as dizziness and brain fog. These issues can affect your ability to work, spend time with loved ones, or engage in daily activities.

2. Post-exertional malaise (PEM)

A hallmark symptom of ME/CFS is something called post-exertional malaise (PEM). PEM causes an extreme energy crash or symptom flare-up after minor physical or mental activities, such as going grocery shopping or taking a walk. 

These activities might be routine for most people, but for those with ME/CFS, even small tasks can trigger days of exhaustion, significantly impacting quality of life.

3. Unrefreshing sleep and sleep problems

Up to 90% of people with ME/CFS report sleep issues, such as insomnia, light sleep, and sleep rhythm disturbances. Even when these individuals can sleep through the night, they often report feeling unrested or profoundly exhausted. 

This lack of restful, rejuvenating sleep makes it difficult to work and can also have a significant impact on mood and focus. It’s no wonder that many individuals withdraw from social activities and spend most of their free time resting at home.

4. Cognitive difficulties

Beyond physical exhaustion, many individuals with ME/CFS describe difficulties with memory, word recall, and processing information. 

For example, they might regularly forget where they left their car keys or make uncharacteristic mistakes at their job. These incidents can add up over time, leading to problems at work, home, or school.

When to see a doctor 

If you experience persistent fatigue that’s lasted for six months or more, don’t wait to contact your nearest HealthFirst office. After completing a physical exam and ordering lab tests, we can gain insight into your symptoms and make personalized treatment recommendations.

We take a holistic and integrative approach to treating ME/CFS and often combine conventional treatments, like prescription medication, and complementary options, such as hormone balancing, nutritional replenishment, and detoxification. 

Schedule a consultation for chronic fatigue syndrome

If you have symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact the HealthFirst office nearest you and schedule an appointment with our caring team.