Chronic Fatigue and Hormone Abnormalities

Overview   Nutritional discussion   Immune abnormalities
Central Nervous System   Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal   Stress   Neurotransmitters

Central Nervous System

Miniscule spots of inflammation in the brain, and other parts of the CNS as well as abnormal levels of some specific hormones have been seen in many patients with chronic fatigue. However these results have been noted even without experiencing CFS.

Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis

Researchers have also noted many more occurrences of unusual factors in the part of the brain known as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis which controls the hormone response to factors in the environment. This "axis" creates and controls the enzymes and hormones that maintain sleep, stress-response, and depression.

Stress Hormone Deficiencies

Deficiencies have been observed in chronic fatigue patients in levels of cortisol which is a stress hormone the arises in the hypothalamus. This deficiency may be one factor in patients' weak response to mental or physical stress, including resistance to illness.

Neurotransmitters

Research demonstrates that some chronic fatigue syndrome patients have very high serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is commonly thought to contribute to feelings of happiness. It is one of the brain's chemical messengers. Surprisingly, these high levels of serotonin in the brain are connected with tiredness.

Dopamine is another neurotransmitter that is associated with "reward-driven" learning. Research indicates that dopamine deficiencies may be a factor as well.

Overview   Nutritional discussion   Immune abnormalities
Central Nervous System   Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal   Stress   Neurotransmitters