Chronic Fatigue – why does it seem to be more of a woman thing?

It’s time to answer one of the most mind boggling questions surrounding CFS: why are women so much more likely to experience this condition?

You might be like me and want to understand the “why” behind everything. But you might not have the time to scour and interpret the scientific literature to discover answers.

That’s why I’ve done it for you.

In this blog, I draw on the findings from the scientific literature to explore the potential reasons why women are 2 – 4 times more likely to experience CFS and importantly, what can be done to support recovery by taking a natural approach.

I have identified 3 potential reasons as to why women are more affected by CFS than men.

1. An autoimmune connection?

An autoimmune connection could form part of the answer. Research into autoimmunity has shown that women are more likely than men to experience an autoimmune condition like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

So, how does this affect CFS you may be wondering?

A 2018 study highlighted that an autoimmune connection exists with some CFS patients. This paper highlighted various studies across the world that showed that some people with CFS also fulfilled the criteria for autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Fibromyalgia, both of which are more frequently found in women and Postural tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).

A different research study has highlighted the gender disparity for autoimmune diseases linked to the part that oestrogen and oestrogen receptors may play a role in the development of these diseases. More on the role of oestrogen next.

Further research is suggesting that autoimmunity could be a reason why some women experience CFS.

Photo by Stacey Gabrielle Koenitz Rozells on Unsplash

2. Could it be the hormones?

Oestrogen is a female sex hormone and is responsible for the regulation of the female reproductive system. It is a very important hormone for women and an imbalance in Oestrogen has been linked to Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS), period irregularities and menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and vaginal dryness. So, you can see a hormonal imbalance can really affect a woman’s wellbeing quite considerably.

There has been quite a bit of research into the correlation between hormonal imbalances and CFS. This is what they found:

Menstrual mayhem and CFS

A 2015 study identified that women with CFS were also likely to have experienced menstrual system irregularities such as endometriosis, bleeding between periods, highlighting that hormonal imbalances could be a factor. A similar study in 2011 for the Journal of women’s health highlighted that CFS is more common at the time of the perimenopause. This is a time when oestrogen levels are declining, potentially highlighting the role oestrogen plays in the development of CFS.

Oh Oestrogen, …. It could be you!

A Swedish study in 2007 looked at the role of oestrogen levels and oestrogen receptors in female CFS patients and immunity and concluded that the link with CFS should be investigated further. It highlighted the findings from a 1996 study that showed the CFS symptoms improved in pregnancy when oestrogen levels are naturally high.

Research shows that oestrogen plays a modulating role on our immune system.

The various studies are showing that the functioning of oestrogen and any imbalance, could be a reason why CFS is more common in women.

3. The impact of stress.

Stress is being increasingly recognised as a trigger for CFS. We also know that stress can play a part in contributing to hormone imbalances so this may link into the research we looked at earlier in this article.

The burden of caring responsibilities

We know from various studies that women are more likely to take on the care of children and looking after children, whilst often working too. Women are also more likely to be responsible for more household management and chores too.

Women are also more likely to take responsibility for caring for elderly relatives, which can be very stressful. For many women this responsibility occurs when they are in their 40s and 50s, at a time when they are experiencing the perimenopause. Could this be a link with the research we explored above?

Leading to feelings of stress

Caring responsibilities can lead to feelings if significant stress and overwhelm, particularly when the pressure is unremitting and a solution to the situation is not obvious. The stress impact can weaken the body and leave it more susceptible to infections, which is the most common trigger for CFS.

So, the research is in … no definitive answers yet

There has been a lot of research into potential causes of CFS, but I am unable to find any research that has come up with definitive reasons as to why women are more affected than men.

Many papers comment on the gender disparity and interestingly many of their research volunteers are female.

However, as this post has shown, a small number of papers have researched specific potential causes and this has led them to conclude that these may be potential reasons why women are more likely to be affected.

We are still waiting for a definitive answer to this question.

It may not be one thing ….

Considering the 3 factors I have discussed, I do think it is possible that there may not be one single reason. There is a link with oestrogen, hormone imbalance, stress and autoimmunity, but as you will have seen it is possible for one factor to impact or influence another. For example, stress can adversely affect the menstrual cycle. Genetics, of course, may be a causes too for some, as has been highlighted in some of the research.

In fact, the most recent research is exploring the idea that CFS could be caused by several factors, not just one thing.

This makes sense to me as I can see from my own experience that it wasn’t just one thing but a variety of life events that caused me to experience CFS and its debilitating fatigue.

What do women with CFS want?

If you are like me, I wanted and received bespoke treatment and care that was tailored to my needs. The natural (Naturopathic) approach was just what I needed. I received a treatment approach that looked at my overall needs, tackling the root cause to my CFS, not just my symptoms. The herbs and supplements were a lifeline for me!

When do they want it – Now!

How do we kick start your recovery?

We will look at your diet and introduce foods to help reduce inflammation

Use Herbal medicine to help with stress, anxiety, digestion, inflammation and balancing hormones. More can be found in my blog 4 ways Herbal Remedies can support your CFS Recovery
Mindfulness practices to help you deal with negative thoughts and encourage you to be more compassionate to yourself, so you feel less stressed and anxious. More can be found in my blog How Mindfulness could Transform your CFS Recovery
Nutritional supplements – to help ensure you have the right level of vital vitamin and mineral levels to support your recovery.
Natural flower remedy to help with emotional balance.

I’ve been there and help is at hand …

CFS can leave you feeling lonely and fearful for the future as recovery is gradual. I know how that can feel, as I experienced Chronic Fatigue and managed my recovery following a naturopathic approach and it really worked for me.

Drawing on my extensive training and from my personal experience, I now help and support people to manage their own recovery back to being you again.

Work with me

A free resource to help you on your recovery journey

To help people just starting their CFS recovery journey, I have produced a FREE 10 page guide to ‘Reclaiming your natural energetic high without spending a fortune on costly supplements’.

Here I will guide you through 7 easy to do and lower cost ways you can kick start your recovery from CFS.

Download your guide to help you begin the process of feeling like YOU once again.

I’m ready to answer your questions and queries

I know CFS can feel quite overwhelming. The fatigue is debilitating and there’s so much information out there, it’s a struggle to process everything when you feel unwell.

I’ve been there, so I know that it can feel like a relief to talk to someone about your treatment who understands what you are going through.

Get in touch and we can talk about how I can help you with your first steps to recovery.

Get in touch

Want to know more ….

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