Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition where you experience severe, prolonged tiredness or weariness ~ that is not relieved by rest and is not directly caused by other conditions. Instead, the level of tiredness that a CFS patient experiences lasts for a long time, and reduces (by about 50%) his ability to engage in ordinary daily activities. Nicknamed “the yuppie flu” in the 1980’s, CFS is very real, and it is treatable.
The “CFS Stigma” For Men
Beginning at a very young age, men are often taught that others will have certain expectations of them, and that the roles they are to perform in life should never be relinquished. Men typically attribute their self-worth with their “prowess” as a man, and their income potential or job position Facing an illness that impedes or blocks a man’s ability to perform at even a minimal degree can be difficult. Having CFS does not render a man “less masculine”, nor does it lessen his value to his family or society.
Dating back to the Stone Age, men were taught to hunt, feed and protect the family from all outside predators. But what if the “predator” is an illness or other medical condition that renders him unable to perform those expected duties? When suffering from CFS it virtually encompasses every aspect of the individual’s life and can affect his capacity to be (or remain) gainfully employed – and when his energy to “succeed” is diminished, dealing with CFS can become an even greater and burdensome task. Many men with CFS see themselves gradually falling behind their peers, which can cause further stress, and even depression. It is essential that all individuals with CFS – especially men – confront their own self-expectations, and realize that it is “OK” to seek medical help.
Symptoms
The typical symptoms of CFS are similar to those we experience with common viral infections such as muscle aches, headache, and overall fatigue – and they come on within a few hours or days – but they last for 6 months or more. Other CFS symptoms include muscle pain or weakness, memory problems and confusion, irritability, difficulty concentrating, pain in multiple joints, mild fever, sleep problems, sore throat and tender neck or armpit lymph nodes.
About CFS
Generally characterized as a “women’s disease” (women are three-times more likely to suffer from CFS) it is very common that men between the ages of 40 and 60 can suffer from this condition, and following onset it and can last for years. Other factors such as age, prior illness, stress, environment, or genetics may also play a role. The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, however studies suggest that CFS may be caused by an inflammation of the nervous system, which can trigger an immune response process. It’s also suspected that CFS may be caused by a virus – such as the Epstein-Barr virus or human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6).
Our Approach
Traditional medicine frequently employs treatment to improve only the symptoms, and not a cure – by prescribing medications for pain, sleep disorders or other problems. Our approach to treating CFS goes far beyond just masking your symptoms, to provide you with real long-term relief from this disability.
We educate our patients so they possess a better understanding about the body’s endocrine system (that produces hormones), and how the brain orchestrates this system. While it’s true that there is no exact known cause for chronic fatigue syndrome, there is a correlation to what appears to be reduced production of your body’s hormones as well as reduced cortisol levels in CFS patients. Your hormonal balance is key. For many CFS patients the adrenal glands may be producing as little as half of the levels that are present in a normal person. For persons with CFS, we realize that the interaction between the neuroendocrine system and the immune system may be “out of balance”, and our goal is to identify if this may be the case and to get you back on track.
Our treatment protocol is carefully implemented. To isolate or confirm a hormone or cortisol insufficiency, we run thorough tests. Patients can be treated with low doses of natural, bio-identical hormones that are of a therapeutic level – different from what you can purchase at health-food stores – and with therapeutic cortisol as well. Every patient’s supplement treatment plan is duly monitored to avoid side effects, and our modality of treatment often provides drastic improvement results.
Our knowledgeable Doctor and courteous staff are ready to consult with you to help treat your CFS conditions.
