Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Also called: CFS, ME/CFS, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, SEID, Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease Summary Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder that causes extreme fatigue. This fatigue is not the kind of tired feeling that goes away after you rest. Instead, it lasts a long time and limits your ability to do ordinary daily activities. The main symptom of CFS is severe fatigue that lasts for 6 months or more. You also have at least four of these other symptoms: Feeling unwell for more than 24 hours after physical activity Muscle pain Memory problems Headaches Pain in multiple joints Sleep problems Sore throat Tender lymph nodes CFS is hard to diagnose. There are no tests for it, and other illnesses can cause similar symptoms. Your doctor has to rule out other diseases before making a diagnosis of CFS. No one knows what causes CFS. It is most common in women in their 40s and 50s, but anyone can have it. It can last for years. There is no cure for CFS, so the goal of treatment is to improve symptoms. Medicine may treat pain, sleep disorders, and other problems. Lifestyle changes, coping techniques, and a special, gradual exercise program can also help. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health Treatments and Therapies Are There Any Natural Remedies That Reduce Chronic Fatigue Associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Find an Expert Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Array Chronic fatigue syndrome Teenagers Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Nemours Foundation Start Here Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): General Information Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Related Issues Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Causes Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Statistics and Research Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Childhood Adversity Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Who’s at Risk? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Diagnosis and Tests Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Diagnosis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Living With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Managing Activities and Exercise Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Treating the Most Disruptive Symptoms First Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Improving Health and Quality of Life Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Monitoring the Use of All Medicines and Supplements Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Symptoms Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Symptoms Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Children Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic National Institutes of Health Genetics Genetics Home Reference: corticosteroid-binding globulin deficiency National Library of Medicine Journal Articles Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
