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Vicious Cycle of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

February 1, 2002

Vicious Cycle of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

Causes:

  • Chronic stress of any kind
  • Injury — even mild accidents
  • Infections
  • Pregnancy or menopause
  • Poor sleep
  • Poor nutrition

Leading to:

  • Suppression of hypothalamus, a major control center of the brain for sleep, hormonal function, and blood flow

Symptoms:

  • Hormones
  • Low thyroid
  • Tired, dull, overweight, and cold intolerance
  • Low ovarian/testicular activity
  • No sex drive, fatigue, and depression
  • Low adrenal
  • No stress tolerance; crash with minimal stress or exertion
  • Antidiuretic hormone is suppressed; "Drink like a fish and pee like a racehorse"
  • Poor sleep: Brain fog, chronic pain, immune suppression leading to chronic infection, and bowel infections leading to nutritional deficiencies
  • Altered blood flow and body temperature: Crash after exercise, hot flashes, and cold hands and feet

Source: Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, director of Annapolis (MD) Research Center for Effective FMS/CFS Therapies.