Fibromyalgia and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) are often associated with women, but a significant number of men suffer from these debilitating conditions. For many men, the journey to diagnosis is fraught with disbelief and misdiagnosis, particularly when their illnesses are triggered by overexertion.
The Invisible Illness
Men with fibromyalgia and ME/CFS often face scepticism, not only from medical professionals but also from family and friends. The stigma surrounding these conditions can delay diagnosis and treatment, exacerbating symptoms and leading to further physical and emotional distress.
Jason Herterich's Story
Nine years ago, Jason Herterich's life changed forever during a game of intramural basketball. After grabbing a rebound, he twisted his back and severely strained the muscles used for breathing. While the injury itself likely healed within a couple of months, his acute pain turned chronic and slowly spread throughout his entire body. Years later, Jason was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, an incurable disorder characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, brain fog, and sleep and memory issues. The diagnosis was devastating, signalling that his symptoms weren't going to go away and his life wouldn't return to normal. Compounding his struggle, some family members refused to accept his illness as real. At family dinners, his expressions of pain were often dismissed with comments like, "I think a lot of this is just in your head". Jason Herterich's Story - CBC Radio
The Physical and Emotional Toll
Athletes and highly active men often push their bodies to the limit, which can lead to significant health issues. Overtraining and chronic physical stress are known contributors to fibromyalgia and ME/CFS. These conditions manifest through persistent fatigue, widespread pain, and a host of other debilitating symptoms that can completely disrupt a person's life.
Symptoms and Impacts on Daily Life
Persistent Fatigue: Both fibromyalgia and ME/CFS are characterized by overwhelming fatigue that is not alleviated by rest. For men who were previously very active, this can be particularly devastating.
Widespread Pain: Chronic pain that spreads throughout the body is a hallmark of fibromyalgia. For men, this pain can be misinterpreted as a sign of weakness or inadequacy, leading to psychological distress.
Cognitive Issues: Commonly referred to as "brain fog," cognitive dysfunction affects memory, concentration, and mental clarity, further impacting daily functioning and quality of life.
Sleep Disturbances: Poor sleep quality and non-restorative sleep are prevalent in both conditions, exacerbating fatigue and pain.
Societal Expectations and Delayed Diagnosis
Men often face unique challenges when dealing with chronic illnesses due to societal expectations around masculinity. Admitting to chronic pain or fatigue can be seen as a sign of weakness, leading many men to ignore symptoms or avoid seeking help. This societal pressure can delay diagnosis and treatment, making it harder to manage the condition effectively.
Challenges Highlighted by ME Research UK
ME Research UK points out that the exact number of men with ME/CFS is difficult to determine due to societal pressures and hesitancy to seek medical help. This underrepresentation in research further complicates understanding and addressing the needs of men with these conditions. Challenges Faced by Men with ME/CFS - ME Research UK
Overexertion as a Trigger
For many men, particularly those who were highly active or athletic, overexertion can be a significant trigger for the onset of fibromyalgia or ME/CFS. Pushing their bodies beyond their limits can lead to chronic physical stress, contributing to the development of these conditions.
When the body experiences overexertion, it responds by releasing cortisol, a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol plays a vital role in managing the body's response to stress, but excessive production can lead to negative health effects. During periods of intense physical activity, cortisol levels can spike to help mobilize energy stores and manage inflammation. However, if the body is consistently pushed beyond its capacity to recover, cortisol can remain elevated for extended periods.
Impact on Blood Sugar Levels
Cortisol influences several metabolic processes, including the regulation of blood sugar levels. Under normal circumstances, cortisol helps maintain blood glucose by stimulating gluconeogenesis, the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, and by promoting the breakdown of glycogen in the liver. During overexertion, this mechanism ensures a steady supply of glucose to fuel the muscles and brain.
However, chronic overexertion and sustained high cortisol levels can disrupt this balance, leading to persistently high blood sugar levels. Elevated blood sugar over time can contribute to insulin resistance, where the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating glucose uptake. This can exacerbate feelings of fatigue and reduce the body's ability to recover from physical activity, creating a vicious cycle of overexertion and metabolic dysfunction.
Cortisol and Stress Symptoms
Cortisol doesn't just affect blood sugar; it has widespread effects on the body that can lead to symptoms commonly associated with stress. When cortisol levels remain elevated for days due to chronic overexertion, individuals may experience:
Fatigue: High cortisol can disrupt normal sleep patterns, making it difficult to achieve restorative sleep and leaving individuals feeling constantly tired.
Mood Disorders: Elevated cortisol is linked to anxiety and depression, exacerbating mental stress.
Immune Suppression: Chronic high cortisol levels can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and illness.
Muscle Weakness: Prolonged exposure to high cortisol can lead to muscle breakdown, reducing strength and endurance.
Long-term Consequences
The prolonged presence of cortisol in the bloodstream due to overexertion can have long-term health consequences. It can lead to the development of chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia or ME/CFS by maintaining a state of chronic stress and metabolic imbalance. This sustained stress response can overwhelm the body's ability to recover, leading to persistent pain, fatigue, and a range of other symptoms characteristic of these conditions.
Conclusion
Men with fibromyalgia and ME/CFS face unique challenges that are often exacerbated by societal expectations and the stigma surrounding these conditions. Overexertion can trigger a cascade of physiological responses that include elevated cortisol and blood sugar levels. While these responses are initially protective, their chronic activation can lead to significant health issues, including the onset of fibromyalgia or ME/CFS. For individuals prone to these conditions, managing physical activity levels and ensuring adequate recovery is crucial to maintaining long-term health and well-being.
References
"Fibromyalgia: Understanding the causes and symptoms," Mayo Clinic.
"Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Symptoms and causes," Mayo Clinic.
"The Effects of Cortisol on the Body," Healthline.
"Cortisol: Its Role in Stress, Inflammation, and Indications for Supplementation," National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).
"Cortisol and Metabolic Syndrome: A Review," NCBI.
"Insulin Resistance and the Metabolic Syndrome," NCBI.
"Chronic Overexertion and its Impact on the Endocrine System," Endocrine Reviews.
"The Role of Cortisol in Sleep," National Sleep Foundation.
"Cortisol, Stress, and Depression: A Review," NCBI.
"Impact of Chronic Stress on the Immune System," NCBI.
"Muscle Wasting and Cortisol," Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
"The Role of Stress in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia," NCBI.
"Chronic Stress and Its Impact on Health: A Review of the Literature," American Psychological Association.
"Managing Physical Activity in Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS," Arthritis Foundation.
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