Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complicated disease that makes its sufferers feel tired all the time. However, doctors cannot trace the fatigue to any underlying medical problem. When someone with chronic fatigue syndrome engages in a physical activity or when they do something that requires a great deal of thinking, but the fatigue doesn’t getter better after they have rested. There is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome and doctors are uncertain what causes it. However, new research suggests that the thyroid may play a role.
Details of the Study
People with hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid doesn’t release enough hormones, often suffer from extreme fatigue. Because of this, researchers hypothesized that low levels of thyroid hormones might also have something to do with chronic fatigue syndrome.
The study involved 197 participants. 98 of them had chronic fatigue syndrome. The other 99 were healthy and did not have the condition. The healthy participants served as the study’s control group. Researchers measured thyroid activity in both groups. They found that the people with chronic fatigue syndrome had significantly lower levels of thyroid hormones.
The study does not prove that low thyroid hormone levels cause chronic fatigue syndrome. However, the results of the study may provide a clue as doctors and scientists continue to study the condition.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms
Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by extreme fatigue, but there are other symptoms that may indicate the presence of the condition, such as:
- Memory problems.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- A sore throat.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the armpits or neck.
- Muscle or joint pain with no explanation.
- Sleep that doesn’t relieve tiredness.
- Headaches.
- Exhaustion that is present for over 24 hours after a period of exercise, either physical or mental.
There are a lot of things that can cause fatigue, so it’s important for your aging relative to see a doctor if they are feeling fatigued.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, a senior care provider can help them to improve their quality of life. Senior care can assist with household tasks that may cause the older adult to feel tired. Some of the things a senior care provider can do are vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, and laundry. Senior care providers can also prepare meals. If the older adult is taking medications, a senior care provider can remind them to take them on schedule. A senior care provider can also drive the person to their medical appointments and other places they need to go.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elder Care in Walnut Creek, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Sources
MedicalNewsToday.com
MayoClinic.org
Webmd.com
