The results of a new meta-study suggest a simplified treatment process using cortisol could help alleviate the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM). The new review, published in the Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, analyzed more than 50 past published studies that assessed adrenal function in CFS and FM patients. Kent Holtorf, M.D., medical director of the Holtorf Medical Group Center for Endocrine, Neurological and Infection related illness Torrance, Calif., is advising a simplified treatment process that may help alleviate CFS and FM symptoms. From an extensive review of more than 50 published studies that assessed adrenal function in CFS and FM patients,
Researcher Dr. Kent Holtorf said that the majority of CFS and FM patients displayed abnormal adrenal function due to hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction and that many could be treated for this adrenal dysfunction with cortisol.
"My review suggests that a treatment protocol of early administration of cortisol may help improve and reduce the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia," said Dr. Holtorf. "This research provides a new understanding that treating the known causes of illness in CFS and FM can improve the symptoms and quality-of-life of patients who suffer from these conditions."
Dr. Holtorf said his research was further confirmed in an observational study following the conditions of 500 patients from his clinic, where of the patients given cortisol as part of their treatment protocol;
- 94 percent showed improvement by the fourth visit;
- 75 percent noted significant improvement;
- 62 percent reported substantial improvement; and
- Energy levels and a general sense of well-being for patients doubled by the fourth visit.
According to Dr. Holtorf, cortisol doses of 5-to-15mg a day have been shown to be safe, with little or no associated risk while having the potential for significant benefit for CFS and FM patients. "Cortisol treatment carries significantly less risk and a greater potential for benefit than treatments considered to be the standard of care for both conditions," he concluded.
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Source: Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
