Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a complex disorder and difficult to diagnose. The condition is also referred to as systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). A new Chronic Fatigue Syndrome test, in the process of development, may bode well for those suffering from, but not yet diagnosed with, the condition.
A new diagnostic test, named "nanoelectronic assay," supplies the scientific evidence that CFS exists. The brainchild of Ron Davis, Ph.D., a professor of biochemistry and genetics, his experiences with his ill son led him on this path.
His son, who suffers from CFS, had steadily changed over the years. Someone who was once healthy and full of life, his health steadily declined over the years. Because of this, his father changed his focus, and, in 2013, launched the Stanford Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research Center. The aim was the development of a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome test that could simply, yet accurately, determine the condition in patients.
It was after the announcement of his new research interest that he realized the scope of the disorder. The disorder is one that is much more common than most people believe.
The first clue to his research was when studying an example of his son’s blood. He and colleagues developed a test that measures changes in tiny amounts of energy to determine blood cell and plasma health. This is done by means of a nanoelectric assay screen using salt to stress samples from both healthy and ill patients and then compare how the electrical current changes on a cellular level. A large change shows stress in plasma and cells. This implies they are not capable of proper processing, leading to chronic fatigue.
When comparing blood samples of those with CFS and healthy individuals, all of those with CFS showed a marked spike in their test results. Healthy control subjects did not show this spike in their tests.
Since first spotting these results in his son’s tests, a larger group underwent the same testing. Of those tested, half had the condition. These results were encouraging. The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome test only flagged those already diagnosed with CFS. Healthy subjects did not feature.
Recruitment for the project continues. The aim is to confirm the success of this diagnostic test. If all bodes well, it may very well ensure the early diagnosis of this debilitating health condition.
CFS is a condition very similar to Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (AFS). Both of these health conditions are related to stress. It is thus possible to develop CFS while recovering from adrenal fatigue. Addressing your adrenal issues may help with healing both conditions.
Distinguishing between the two conditions is difficult. Currently, one needs to take a detailed look into your health history to do so.
In simpler terms, each of these conditions may be a symptom of the other. Also, both may be connected to a hormone imbalance.
A hormone imbalance may result from an Ovarian Adrenal Thyroid (OAT) axis imbalance. The OAT axis is part of your endocrine system. Its actions are governed by your Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The OAT axis produces several hormones that exert their effects on the rest of your body. It is tied into other organ systems hormonally via a series of networks.
Your HPA axis, in conjunction with your NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) Stress Response, governs your body’s response to any stressful situation. The NEM response sees certain body functions going into overdrive during times of stress, with others either slowing down or stopping entirely.
Because the NEM stress response is usually of short duration, your body quickly recovers as normal function returns. If the stress is of a more permanent nature, the NEM response continues. This affects the OAT axis and may result in a hormone imbalance. The repercussions could have a devastating effect on your body.
Your hormones regulate a number of the major processes throughout your body. These include:
Many health issues are associated with a hormone imbalance. It affects both men and women. Common symptoms associated with a hormone imbalance include, amongst others:
Many of the issues mentioned are found in both CFS and AFS. You can find a more complete list of AFS symptoms here.
The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome test may be widely implemented in the future and prove to be a resource for early identification of the condition. Up until now, CFS identification has largely been anecdotal, with health practitioners relying on patient history to identify the condition.
Recovery may start with adrenal support, then looking at the whole NEM Stress Response in order to target the dysfunctional organs and systems. This means making appropriate lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and getting enough of the correct kind of exercise. Detoxification may also be a possibility.
Please note that detoxification and exercise may not be workable for those who are in the latter stages of AFS. They could result in an adrenal crash that may further weaken an already overtaxed system.
Although the new Chronic Fatigue Syndrome test may help identify the condition in its earliest stages and thus help with addressing the issue in its earliest stages, trials are still ongoing. Fatigue recovery is a long, drawn-out process. Allowing yourself to rest and making necessary changes may help the process.
If you want to know more about CFS and your hormonal system, please take a look at the relevant pages on our website.
Although Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome have many similar symptoms, they are not the same condition. The new Chronic Fatigue Syndrome test is for this condition only. However, many people with CFS may also have AFS as one of the condition's symptoms.
