3. Chronic fatigue syndrome
What is it, and who gets it?
Nobody knows what causes the extreme fatigue common to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). But studies point to dormant viral infections, hormonal imbalance, and stress. At least 1 million Americans are believed to have CFS, though less than 20% have been diagnosed. Women, especially in their 40s and 50s, are four times as likely as men to have it. “It may have something to do with hormonal changes and menopause,” says integrative medicine expert Erika Schwartz, MD, medical director of Cinergy Health, who treats women with hormonal disorders.
How does it feel?
The fatigue usually worsens with physical or mental activity and doesn’t improve with rest, so people with CFS often function at a substantially lower level than they did before getting sick. Tasks like getting ready for the day or cleaning a room, which usually require an hour, may take several hours, if not days. Loss of memory or concentration and unexplained muscle pain are common, too.
How is it diagnosed?
There’s no test, so before arriving at the diagnosis, a doctor will rule out other diseases or conditions that may cause similar symptoms—like mononucleosis, Lyme disease, thyroid problems, or depression.
How is it treated?
A 2006 study found that psychostimulants like Ritalin lessen fatigue and improve concentration in some people, but the treatment is experimental. Most docs suggest moderate daily activity and exercise to boost stamina, plus more rest, and stress, alcohol, and caffeine reduction. Dr. Schwartz also prescribes bioidentical hormones: “Many patients improve when their hormones are balanced.”
4. Lupus
What is it, and who gets it?
There are four types of lupus, but you hear most about systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a malfunction in the immune system in which your body becomes its own worst enemy. Skin, joints, lungs, kidneys, the nervous system, or blood pay the price. Each year, more than 16,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with lupus—90% of them are women. Scientists suspect that hormones play a role because most women are diagnosed between ages 15 and 45, and lupus seems to strike during or following pregnancy.
How does it feel?
Symptoms include fatigue, fever, joint pain and stiffness, chest pain, memory loss, and skin lesions. Most people experience flares—worsening of symptoms that may later improve or even disappear completely.
How is it diagnosed?
Lupus is confirmed if you have at least four of these symptoms: a facial rash or rashes that appear after exposure to sunlight, painless mouth sores, kidney disease, swelling of the lining around the lungs or heart, and low counts of red blood cells, platelets, or white blood cells.
How is it treated?
For mild cases, ibuprofen and naproxen can reduce pain and swelling in joints and muscles, and antimalarial drugs like Plaquenil (generic: hydroxychloroquine) have proven useful in preventing flares and controlling the disease’s progression. Corticosteroids counter inflammation, but they can have long-term side effects. Increased physical activity and emotional stress may trigger an episode, too, so learning to balance activities and emotions is an important part of coping with lupus. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid (found in flaxseed) may also help reduce inflammation associated with the disease.
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Comments (1)
Ms. Brown, please add endometriosis to that list. For over 10 years I was ignored by doctor after doctor – until finally, my MIDWIFE (thank you!), found an endometrial mass a bit larger than a golf ball on one of my ovaries. Shortly thereafter I had to have a complete hysterectomy w/ oophorectomy due to severe endo. There are indications that endo is an autoimmune illness, and they like to travel in packs. I have had and am suffering from several – PCOS, endometriosis, and rheumatoid arthritis (still trying to get diagnosis & treatment on the last) and I’m pre-diabetic. I wish just one doctor would have listened to me and treated me all those years ago instead of acting like I was junkie or delusional. I’m 41 years old, in constant pain and I can only wonder if something like metformin might have helped me if someone had only listened 20 years ago.