CFS and Adrenal Gland Size

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

Delete this if you are not interested. Many with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

seem to have major endocrine disorders. Here is a new study on adrenal

glands and CFS. Enjoy and comment if you have any clues on this.

a C.

Adrenal Gland Size May Play Key Role in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Researchers have discovered that the adrenal glands of those suffering from

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome were reduced by over 50% -- a possible explanation

for the disease's namesake symptom.

Although no satisfactory biomedical explanation for CFS exists, recent

research suggests that adrenal under-stimulation may be a factor. Working

out of the Trinity College Dublin Medical School at St. 's Hospital in

Ireland, six researchers set out to determine whether CFS patients who had

evidence of adrenal hypofunctioning (decreased or insufficient function) had

altered adrenal gland size. Participants for the study were recruited from a

fatigue clinic and tested under the CDC criteria for CFS. Those who met the

criteria were then given a 1 microgram adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)

stimulation test, which is a test of adrenal gland functioning.

Eight participants (5 males, 3 females) who showed a subnormal response to

the adrenal gland function test were given a computed tomography (CT)

adrenal gland assessment. CT is a process by which a three dimensional image

of a body structure (in this case, the adrenal gland) is compiled using

computer images. The adrenal gland measurements of the eight participants

were measured against those from a group of 55 healthy subjects. The results

were that the eight CFS patients showed a 50% decrease in adrenal gland

size - a significant adrenal gland atrophy.

It is important to remember that these eight patients showing this atrophy

had existing abnormal endocrine parameters. It is yet to be determined

whether a larger sampling or testing of those without endocrine

abnormalities would result in such dramatic adrenal reduction results.

Researchers recommend that a larger, randomized study of CFS patients is

necessary and could help determine not only the causes but also treatments

of CFS.

Source: LV, Teh J, Reznek R, A, Sohaib A, Dinan TG. " Small

adrenal glands in chronic fatigue syndrome: a preliminary computer

tomography study. " Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Sublin Medical

School, St. 's Hospital, Ireland.

[Guest guest]

I don't have CFS, but the article got me thinking about a fellow I once knew who

was suffering from 's disease, and I thought I'd share some of my

thoughts.

My friend believed that his case of 's, which is marked by extreme

atrophy of the adrenal glands, was brought on by the physical and psychological

stress of serving in the US Marine Corp (seems to be more common amongst

Marines). Some of the symptoms included fatigue, high body temperature and

dizzy spells. If I remember correctly, he was consuming large amounts of salt

for the chloride. I'm afraid I don't remember which medication he was later

prescribed. I have heard though, that licorice is supposed to help stimulate

the adrenal glands.

I really don't know if there are any useful connections to be made here, but I

thought I'd throw this out anyhow. Hope it helps.

I'm afraid I've been a bit

a Carnes wrote:

> From: a Carnes <paulajeanne@...>

>

> Hi All,

> Delete this if you are not interested. Many with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

> seem to have major endocrine disorders. Here is a new study on adrenal

> glands and CFS. Enjoy and comment if you have any clues on this.

> a C.

>

> Adrenal Gland Size May Play Key Role in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

>

> Researchers have discovered that the adrenal glands of those suffering from

> Chronic Fatigue Syndrome were reduced by over 50% -- a possible explanation

> for the disease's namesake symptom.

>

> Although no satisfactory biomedical explanation for CFS exists, recent

> research suggests that adrenal under-stimulation may be a factor. Working

> out of the Trinity College Dublin Medical School at St. 's Hospital in

> Ireland, six researchers set out to determine whether CFS patients who had

> evidence of adrenal hypofunctioning (decreased or insufficient function) had

> altered adrenal gland size. Participants for the study were recruited from a

> fatigue clinic and tested under the CDC criteria for CFS. Those who met the

> criteria were then given a 1 microgram adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)

> stimulation test, which is a test of adrenal gland functioning.

>

> Eight participants (5 males, 3 females) who showed a subnormal response to

> the adrenal gland function test were given a computed tomography (CT)

> adrenal gland assessment. CT is a process by which a three dimensional image

> of a body structure (in this case, the adrenal gland) is compiled using

> computer images. The adrenal gland measurements of the eight participants

> were measured against those from a group of 55 healthy subjects. The results

> were that the eight CFS patients showed a 50% decrease in adrenal gland

> size - a significant adrenal gland atrophy.

>

> It is important to remember that these eight patients showing this atrophy

> had existing abnormal endocrine parameters. It is yet to be determined

> whether a larger sampling or testing of those without endocrine

> abnormalities would result in such dramatic adrenal reduction results.

>

> Researchers recommend that a larger, randomized study of CFS patients is

> necessary and could help determine not only the causes but also treatments

> of CFS.

>

> Source: LV, Teh J, Reznek R, A, Sohaib A, Dinan TG. " Small

> adrenal glands in chronic fatigue syndrome: a preliminary computer

> tomography study. " Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Sublin Medical

> School, St. 's Hospital, Ireland.

>

>