How ME or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Affects Women: 8 Things You Need to Know

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), is a condition characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts more than six months and has no identifiable cause.

The disease is more common than you might think, with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimating that up to 24 million people worldwide live with the disease.

While anyone can get the disease, it’s more common in people born female, with one man diagnosed for every four women.

Here are eight things you should know about chronic fatigue syndrome in women.

1.   Many Patients are in Mid-Adulthood.

You can receive a CFS diagnosis at any age, but doctors most often diagnose it in 40-60-year-old women.

Due to the age and main symptoms of the illness, it was undiscovered for many years as doctors related the illness to aging or hysteria.

In 1989, an episode of “The Golden Girls” highlighted the problem the show creator suffered from. The episode showed the struggle of receiving a diagnosis.

Thankfully, the process of diagnosis is better than it was, but it can still be difficult as symptoms are similar to other diseases.

2.   It Has Multiple Symptoms.

A common misconception about CFS is that it only makes people tired, but a wide variety of symptoms characterize the illness. 

These symptoms are primarily physical but can be psychological as well.

Symptoms of CFS include the following.

●      Sore Throat

●      Headaches

●      Enlarged Lymph Nodes

●      Dizziness

●      Muscle and Joint Pain

●      Problems with Memory, Focus and Concentration

●      Unrefreshing Sleep

The condition involves multiple systems, making it complex to treat.

3.   It’s an Invisible Illness.

Like many chronic illnesses, CFS is an invisible illness.

Invisible illnesses are conditions that others cannot identify from the outside. People unaware of the diagnosis often will not realize that someone is sick.

Other invisible illnesses include osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, lupus, Lyme disease and Chron’s disease. They can affect both men and women, but more often affect the latter.

4.   It’s Origin is Unknown.

Though patients began receiving ME and CFS diagnoses decades ago, the origin of the illness is still unknown.

There are several different theories on what causes the illness, including viral infection, genetics, changes in energy creation, psychological stress causing physical changes and immune system changes.

Research is still ongoing, with no single body of evidence able to reach a conclusion regarding the illness.

5.   Tests Can Rule Out Other Illnesses.

Though there is no one test that can diagnose CFS, there are tests that can rule out other conditions.

If a patient suffers from symptoms of the disease, doctors will first rule out several conditions that cause similar symptoms.

The doctor will ask questions and order a variety of tests to rule out a brain injury, hormonal problem, virus or infection..

6.   Its Duration Varies.

CFS is diagnosed when symtoms occur for at least six months, but how long the condition lasts varies.

Some patients recover in months, while others can live with the condition for decades. Some can go about their day to day activities while dealing with symptoms. Others have symptoms severe enough to keep them homebound for long periods of time.

Like other chronic diseases, CFS can have flare-ups and periods of remission.

7.   There is No Cure…

At this point, there is no cure for ME/CFS. Part of this is due to the unknown origin of the disease.

While some problems correlate to the illness, there is no one thing identified as the causation of it. A profile of symptoms and negative test results lead to the diagnosis of CFS, while there is no one thing to look out to identify it.

Due to the variety of symptoms, doctors have trouble coming up with ways to put the condition in long-term remission.

8.   …But There are Treatment Options.

There is hope for women living with CFS. A variety of treatment options can help relieve symptoms and help them accomplish what they desire.

A combination of over the counter medication, self care, adaptations and mental health care to relieve stress can help patients deal with their physical symptoms and live a better life.

Research into the condition is ongoing, and there is reason to believe a cause will be identified and the disease cured.

Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is most common in women and can be debilitating. With proper identification and treatment, patients can live a fruitful life with the illness.

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Beth, the Managing Editor and content manager at Body+Mind, is well-respected in the mental health, nutrition and fitness spaces. In her spare time, Beth enjoys cooking and going for runs with her dog.