You may want to consider a comprehensive anti-aging testing from a qualified Naturopathic Physician or Doctor of Integrative Medicine who are able to order testings via evidence based labs such as Labcorp or Quest... We use Comprehensive Wellness assessments that go above and beyond basic thyroid and chemistry tests...
One such test incorporates analysis of the 10 most important things in regards to the functionality and balance.
These are some of the things that are tested:
1. Progesterone balances and offsets the powerful effects of estrogen. An imbalance between progesterone and estrogen can cause weight gain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, fatigue, migraines, and even more debilitating conditions such as cancer, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and osteoporosis in women. In men, the imbalance can cause weight gain, loss of libido and prostate enlargement.
2. Estradiol, also known as E2, is the most active of the estrogens. For women, it is important to look at the relationship between estradiol and progesterone in evaluating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood disorders, and aging skin. It is also used for monitoring pregnancy.
In both men and women, low levels of estradiol can be associated with osteoporosis.
3. DHEA- Decresed DHEA can be associated with loss of energy and can contribute to chronic fatigue
C-Reactive Protein, Cardiac (CRP,hs): Ferritin; Hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c); Fibrinogen: Vitamin D(probably one of the most important tests in regards to optimal health, including energy and strength)... In addition we test for:
Lipids (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, the risk ratio, triglycerides)
Complete Blood Count (CBC's)
Fluids and Electrolytes
Thyroid w/TSH (High levels of Reverse T3 are common in CFS patients)
Liver
Kidney
Glucose (Diabetes)
Mineral and Bone
All of these play a major role in optimal body functions. An Imbalace in one can lead to imbalance and interruption of the bio-rythm of the entire system, thus leading to rapid aging which would include an increase in chronic fatigue, weight gain, poor BMR & metabolism
As to the Nervous System: It has been speculated that the underlying cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may be impairment or exhaustion of the Adrenal Glands (Adrenal Insufficiency) - the Adrenal Glands of CFS patients are, on average, only 50% of the size of normal, healthy persons. Excessive Stress is speculated to be an underlying cause of CFS.
CFS patients are often found to have elevated Homocysteine levels
Some researchers have noted that damage caused by Free Radicals is a common thread in CFS. It has been proposed that in CFS patients, excessive generation of Free Radicals damages the Mitochondria and Cell Membranes of Cells throughout the body.
Heavy metal testing may also be required as heavy metals is associated with chronic fatigue. In fact heavy metals will interrupt the optimal functions of all the above aspects of the human biological system and chemistry..
Viral and Parasite infections can also play a role...
One of the underlying causes of CFS may be impairment in the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) by the Mitochondria of Cells. Also Many CFS patients are found to be deficient in Folic Acid and all of the B-Complexes.
Other Considerations:
Immune System: Suppression of the Immune System has been proposed an underlying theory of CFS.
CFS patients often have a low Helper T-Cells:Suppressor T-Cells ratio.
CFS patients often exhibit sub-optimal levels of NK Lymphocytes or sub-optimal levels of NK Lymphocytes activity. Elevated Thrombin levels may be implicated in CFS: Elevated Thrombin levels increase the viscosity of the Blood. The thicker the Blood, the harder the Heart has to pump to maintain the Blood's flow throughout the body. This overworking of the Heart lead to Fatigue.
Increased Thrombin levels in CFS patients may be caused by an event associated with the Immune System (e.g. bacterial, viral infection or toxic chemical exposure) that triggers a hypercoagulable state.
Overactivity of TH2 Helper T-Cells (known as TH2 Helper T-Cells Dominance) is one of the features of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
These are some things to consider, all of which can be addressed via a comprehensive wellness assessment..
Hope this information helps you...
Shalomim Y HaLahawi, MD(AM), NMD, PsyD(PC), Lic.MD(P)., BC-OMD.,DPH, DFM, FFHMD, DAAIM
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