CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder characterized by extreme fatigue or tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest and can’t be explained by an underlying medical condition.
CFS can also be referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID).
The causes of CFS aren’t fully understood yet. Some theories include viral infection, psychological stress, or a combination of factors.
Because no single cause has been identified, and because many other conditions produce similar symptoms, CFS can be difficult to diagnose.
There are no tests for CFS. Your doctor will have to rule out other causes for your fatigue when determining a diagnosis.
While CFS was previously a controversial diagnosis, it’s now widely accepted as a medical condition.
CFS can affect anyone, though it’s most common among womenTrusted Source in their 40s and 50s. There’s currently no cure, but treatment can relieve symptoms.
Here’s what you need to know about CFS, including symptoms, treatment options, and outlook.
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CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — By Stacy Sampson, D.O. on March 12, 2020
Causes
Risk factors
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Outlook
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder characterized by extreme fatigue or tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest and can’t be explained by an underlying medical condition.
CFS can also be referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID).
The causes of CFS aren’t fully understood yet. Some theories include viral infection, psychological stress, or a combination of factors.
Because no single cause has been identified, and because many other conditions produce similar symptoms, CFS can be difficult to diagnose.
There are no tests for CFS. Your doctor will have to rule out other causes for your fatigue when determining a diagnosis.
While CFS was previously a controversial diagnosis, it’s now widely accepted as a medical condition.
CFS can affect anyone, though it’s most common among womenTrusted Source in their 40s and 50s. There’s currently no cure, but treatment can relieve symptoms.
Here’s what you need to know about CFS, including symptoms, treatment options, and outlook.
What causes CFS?
The cause of CFS is unknown. Researchers speculate that contributing factors may include:
viruses
a weakened immune system
stress
hormonal imbalances
It’s also possible that some people are genetically predisposed to develop CFS.
Though CFS can sometimes develop after a viral infection, no single type of infection has been found to cause CFS. Some viral infections that have been studied in relation to CFS include those caused by:
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
human herpesvirus 6
Ross River virus (RRV)
rubella virus
Infections caused by bacteria, including Coxiella burnetii and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, have also been studied in relation to CFS.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source has suggested that CFS may be the end stage of multiple different conditions, rather than one specific condition.
In fact, about 1 in 10 peopleTrusted Source with EBV, Ross River virus, or Coxiella burnetii infection will develop a condition that meets the criteria for a CFS diagnosis.
Additionally, researchers say that those who’ve had severe symptoms with any of these three infections are at a higher risk for later developing CFS.
People with CFS sometimes have weakened immune systems, but doctors don’t know whether this is enough to cause the disorder.
People with CFS can also sometimes have abnormal hormone levels. Doctors haven’t yet concluded whether this is significant, either.
Risk factors for CFS
CFS is most commonly seen among people in their 40s and 50s.
Sex also plays an important role in CFS, as women are two to four timesTrusted Source more likely to be diagnosed with CFS than men.
Other factors that may increase your risk for CFS include:
genetic predisposition
allergies