Hormonal Responses to Exercise in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Abstract

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating disease characterized by severe, unexplained fatigue and postexertional exacerbation of symptoms. We examined basal endocrine function in a group of CFS patients and a carefully matched group of sedentary controls. The subjects then completed a graded, maximal exercise test on a treadmill, and additional blood samples were drawn 4 min and a day after the end of exercise. There were no differences in basal hormone levels before exercise. Plasma adrenocorticotropin, epinephrine, prolactin and thyrotropin responses 4 min after exercise were lower in the CFS group, but the growth hormone response may have been exaggerated, and the plasma norepinephrine response was similar to that in controls. The next day, there were no differences in hormone levels between the groups, which suggests that long-term changes in endocrine function are unlikely to be a cause of the prolonged fatigue that occurs in CFS patients after a bout of exertion.

A status report on chronic fatigue syndrome.

“…They concluded that this may be "a disease-specific physiological attribute, leading to low cardiac output and early onset of fatigue" with reduced exercise capacity. We have found a similar hypodynamic response of the endocrine system to exercise challenge (65) and of the cardiovascular system to a stressful cognitive probe (66). In fact, we found that those patients who showed the lowest blood pressure response to the stressor reported the most severe symptoms.…”

The impact of traumatic stressors in civilian occupational settings

“…Screening in the immediate aftermath of events may miss signs and symptoms, as a latency period between exposure and the full emergence of clinical symptoms is common. 33 A register that documents the frequency and workload of officer's exposures to incidents that have the potential for distress might help limit the severity of longitudinal exposure.…”

A Review of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Function in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

“…Symptoms of CFS include persistent fatigue, difficulty with memory and concentration, a disturbed sleep pattern, and severe muscular-skeletal pain [2]. Post exertional exacerbation of symptoms is common but not invariable [3]. The symptoms displayed vary markedly from patient to patient; some patients remain bedridden for very long periods of time, while others are able to manage their fatigue by staying within their own energy boundaries [4].…”