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“An honest and inspiring book which tackles all aspects of CFS and fibromyalgia and demonstrates thoroughly, that recovery and the return to a normal healthy life is possible."
Jackie Oates, Fatigue sufferer
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Endocrine Gland Disorders
Click here for basic information about the endocrine system
The most common disorders of the endocrine glands to affect chronic fatigue syndrome, M.E., fibromyalgia and autoimmune disease sufferers are under-functioning of the adrenal and thyroid glands and these topics are addressed below.
The adrenal glands
Location
The adrenal glands are a pair of small pyramid-shaped endocrine glands that sit on top of the kidneys and are located under the ribs in the back.
Function
They have several different and important functions, but are primarily responsible for our response to stress. They were designed to respond to short periods of stress and then have a long period of recovery as when we were beset by a rival tribe or a bear. They are very metabolically active and have a high requirement for nutrients.
Structure
The adrenal glands have an inner core of nervous tissue (known as the medulla) that produces adrenaline and noradrenaline (epinephrine and norepinephrine). The outer rind (or cortex) is endocrine tissue and produces steroid, sex hormones and DHEA.
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Click here for basic information about the Endocrine System.
The most common disorders of the endocrine glands to affect chronic fatigue syndrome (C.F.S.), myalgic encephelomyelitis (M.E.), fibromyalgia and autoimmune disease sufferers are under-functioning of the adrenal and thyroid glands and these topics are addressed below.
The adrenal glands
Location
The adrenal glands are a pair of small pyramid-shaped endocrine glands that sit on top of the kidneys and are located under the ribs in the back.
Function
They have several different and important functions, but are primarily responsible for our response to stress. They were designed to respond to short periods of stress and then have a long period of recovery as when we were beset by a rival tribe or a bear. They are very metabolically active and have a high requirement for nutrients.
Structure
The adrenal glands have an inner core of nervous tissue (known as the medulla) that produces adrenaline and noradrenaline (epinephrine and norepinephrine). The outer rind (or cortex) is endocrine tissue and produces steroid, sex hormones and DHEA.
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Adrenal gland disorders
If you have any of the following symptoms and especially if they date back to an infection, pregnancy or stressful event - then the chances are high that you have some degree of adrenal fatigue:
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Diarrhoea, constipation, IBS
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Pale, translucent skin with dark rings around the eyes
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Area(s) of excessive bronze pigmentation somewhere on the body
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Loss of either pubic or underarm hair or hair on the lower legs in men
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Muscle weakness leading to back or loin pain, knee or ankle problems
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Hot and cold sensitivity with cold hands and/or feet
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Repeated infections or poor response to infections
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Low blood pressure and/or poorly controlled blood sugar leading to fainting
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Haemorrhoids or varicose veins
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Menstrual disturbances, PMS and/or a difficult menopause
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Poor pregnancy until the latter part and/or post-natal depression
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Poor exercise tolerance
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Any inflammatory condition eg: arthritis
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Allergies – especially asthma
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Confusion, memory loss, depression and/or anxiety
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Chronic fatigue
The thyroid gland
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Location
The thyroid gland is found at the base of the front of the neck.
Structure
It is a butterfly-shaped gland that spans the windpipe (oesophagus).
Function
The thyroid gland mainly produces inactive thyroxine (sometimes known as T4) which is then thought to be converted into its active form of T3 in the tissues. Thyroid hormones are a kind of growth hormone and govern the metabolism in practically all the body’s tissues and also enhance the effects of other hormones.
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Thyroid gland disorders
Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid gland can become overactive (hyperthyroidism) and signs include: increased metabolic rate, anxiety, restlessness, hair loss, palpitations and weight loss in spite of a good appetite.
Hypothyroidism
However, much more common is an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism or myxoedema) although sometimes a dysfunctional gland can swing between these two extremes before finally failing.
Signs of hypothyroidism
The following are all signs of hypothyroidism either in the present or historically:
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Exhaustion, lethargy and weariness, everything is an effort - ‘like walking through treacle’
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Constipation and/or diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome (I.B.S.)
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Weight gain and puffiness especially ankles, face, hands and eyes
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Pale, dry, coarse skin – hard, cracked skin on heels and hands, brittle nails
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Dry, coarse hair or loss of eyebrow, underarm or pubic hair
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Feeling cold and not coping with heat
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Headaches or migraines
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Muscle and joint stiffness and pain
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Alcohol intolerance
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Non-existent libido and loss of sexual responsiveness
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Breathlessness and palpitations
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Hearing and balance problems
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Menstrual problems – periods stopped or heavy and irregular, infertility
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Shaking, pins and needles or numbness
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Slow, clumsy, forgetful, difficulty stringing words together
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Insomnia or sleeping heavily and waking exhausted
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All kinds of psychological symptoms from depression, lack of confidence, anger, irritability, crying easily, mood swings, anxiety and panic attacks to full blown hallucinations, paranoia and suicidal and morbid thoughts.
Further resources
For more information about endocrine disorders, self-help tests, their causes and how to rehabilitate under-functioning glands, please refer to chapter 10 and Part 2 of Chronic Fatigue, M.E., and Fibromyalgia: The Natural Recovery Plan.
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