Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Practice Test

Cortisol dysregulation is often associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) because cortisol is a crucial hormone that helps regulate the body's response to stress, immune function, and energy metabolism. In patients with CFS, levels of cortisol can be either abnormally high or low, leading to disturbances in energy levels, immune responses, and overall health. This dysregulation can contribute to the fatigue and other symptoms that characterize CFS.

Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands, and its production can be affected by chronic stress, which is common in individuals experiencing persistent fatigue and related symptoms. When cortisol levels are not balanced, it can lead to a cycle of fatigue, stress, and hormonal imbalance that exacerbates the condition.

While insulin resistance, sodium imbalance, and thyroid hormone imbalance may occur in various health conditions and can impact overall health, they are not specifically linked to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in the same way that cortisol dysregulation is. Thus, when discussing hormone imbalances associated with CFS, cortisol dysregulation is the most relevant and recognized factor.