Chronic fatigue syndrome

Feeling wiped out? We’re here to help you manage chronic fatigue syndrome with science-backed support and a human touch.

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From wellness coaching to the innovative Three R programme, we offer practical ways to boost your energy and manage symptoms.

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What you should know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a long-term illness that causes severe tiredness, “brain fog,” pain, and sleep problems. Rest doesn’t make it better, and symptoms often get worse after activity.

CFS affects about 0.1–0.8% of people worldwide, including over 250,000 people in the UK. Many cases go undiagnosed due to the complex symptoms.

The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is still unknown. Experts believe it’s a mix of genetics, immune system changes, and environmental factors like viral infections or stress.

Up until fairly recently, there wasn’t a single test for CFS. Doctors diagnose it based on symptoms—like extreme fatigue for at least six months—while ruling out other conditions that could explain the tiredness

There is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome at the moment. However, many people find that with the right support and symptom management, their quality of life can improve.

Treatments focus on relieving symptoms. They may include painkillers, antidepressants, pacing activities, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), wellness coaching, and new therapies like low-dose naltrexone (LDN), melatonin, and CoQ10.

The “Three R” programme is Medical Mojo’s unique, science-backed approach for chronic fatigue syndrome. It combines three compounded treatments: Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) to balance the immune system, melatonin for better sleep, and CoQ10 for energy. All are delivered as buccal films for easy absorption, aiming to help you Recover, Rest, and Recharge.

CFS can affect anyone, but it’s most common in women and usually develops between the ages of 20 and 50. Genetics and certain infections may increase your risk.

Additional information

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome explained: symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatments, and real-world support.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a long-term condition that can turn everyday life into an uphill struggle. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re feeling exhausted, frustrated, or just searching for answers. You’re not alone. CFS affects hundreds of thousands of people in the UK and millions worldwide. Despite this, it’s still widely misunderstood, often misdiagnosed, and can leave people feeling isolated and unsupported.

This page is your friendly, practical guide to understanding CFS—from what it is and why it happens, to how it’s diagnosed, managed, and treated. We’ll cover the latest science, real patient experiences, and how Medical Mojo’s unique “3R” programme can help you reclaim your energy and your life.

Key takeaways

Chronic fatigue syndrome causes persistent, disabling tiredness and a host of other symptoms that can last for years.
The causes are complex and not fully understood, but genetics, infections, immune changes, and stress may all play a part.
Diagnosis can be tricky and sometimes takes years, as there’s no single test.
Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life, with new therapies like low-dose naltrexone (LDN), melatonin, and CoQ10 buccal films showing promise.
Medical Mojo offers a unique “Three R” programme—Recover, Rest, Recharge—to help you take back control.

What is chronic fatigue syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex, long-term illness that causes extreme tiredness that isn’t relieved by rest and often gets worse after activity (post-exertional malaise, or PEM) [1]. Alongside fatigue, people may experience brain fog, muscle and joint pain, sleep problems, headaches, and a host of other symptoms [2].

CFS can be profoundly disabling, with some people unable to work or even leave their homes [3]. The condition affects both body and mind, and symptoms can fluctuate from day to day or even hour to hour. It can strike at any age, though it’s most common in adults aged 20–40 and is more common in women [4].

Common symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome

Common symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include:

Unrelenting fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
Worsening of symptoms after physical or mental exertion (PEM)
Problems with memory, focus, and concentration (“brain fog”)
Muscle and joint pain
Sleep disturbances, like insomnia or unrefreshing sleep
Headaches, sore throat, and flu-like symptoms
Dizziness, palpitations, or feeling faint
Swollen glands or sensitivity to light and sound

Some people experience all of these symptoms, while others may only have a few. The severity and pattern can change over time, making CFS a very individual condition [1], [5].

How common is chronic fatigue syndrome?

CFS affects between 0.1% and 0.8% of the population worldwide, which is about 17–24 million people [6].

In the UK, over 250,000 people are thought to live with CFS, although many more may go undiagnosed due to the complexity of the condition [3], [7].

It can affect anyone, but is most common in women and often starts between the ages of 20 and 40 [4].

Despite its prevalence, CFS is still not widely recognised or understood by many healthcare professionals, and people often face a long wait for diagnosis and support [8].

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What causes chronic fatigue syndrome?

The exact cause of CFS is still unknown, but most experts believe it’s likely due to a combination of factors [1]:

Genetics: Some families are more likely to have CFS, suggesting a genetic link [9].
Viral infections: Many people report symptoms starting after an illness like glandular fever or Epstein-Barr virus [10].
Immune system changes: Some people have signs of ongoing inflammation or autoimmunity [11].
Environmental triggers: Exposure to chemicals, heavy metals, or certain medications can sometimes trigger symptoms [12].
Stress: Physical or emotional stress can play a role in starting or worsening symptoms [13].

It’s important to note that vaccines have not been shown to increase the risk of CFS [14].

What happens in the body with CFS?

CFS affects multiple body systems, which is why symptoms can be so varied and unpredictable [15].

Immune system and inflammation:
The immune system may become overactive, leading to chronic inflammation and, in some cases, attacking the body’s own tissues (autoimmunity) [11]. This can reduce blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles and organs, leading to fatigue and pain.

Gut health:
Many with CFS have gut issues like bloating or irritable bowel syndrome. Studies show an imbalance in gut bacteria, which may worsen inflammation [16].

Energy production and blood flow:
Inflammation and blood vessel changes can reduce oxygen supply to muscles and the brain, making even small activities exhausting [17].

Brain and nerves:
Inflammation can affect the brain, causing memory problems, poor concentration, and sleep difficulties [18].

Hormones and blood clotting:
Stress hormones may be out of balance, and tiny blood clots might block small vessels, contributing to symptoms [19], [20].

How is chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosed?

There was no single test for CFS, so diagnosis relied on clinical criteria and ruling out other conditions [21]. However, in October 2025, an exciting paper was published outlining a new objective test for CFS. We will be writing a blog on this exciting development, so stay tuned.

Diagnosis usually involves:

Unexplained fatigue lasting six months or more
Post-exertional malaise (PEM)
Sleep problems
Cognitive issues (“brain fog”)
Ruling out other possible causes (like anaemia, thyroid problems, depression and more sinister causes like leukaemia and other cancers)

Doctors may use blood tests, questionnaires, and a detailed medical history. Because symptoms overlap with other conditions, diagnosis can take years and often feels like a process of elimination [21], [22].

Can chronic fatigue syndrome be cured?

Currently, there is no cure for CFS. However, many people find ways to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life with the proper support [1], [23].

Some people experience periods of improvement or even complete remission, while others have symptoms that persist for many years.

Medical Mojo patient experiences

What makes our work so rewarding is hearing from our patients about how they have improved from the debilitating symptoms of CFS. A patient’s husband contacted us after his wife had made a slow but steady recovery after starting low-dose naltrexone. His words still echo within me. He said he has got his wife back.

We will keep you informed about all our success stories.

What treatments are available for chronic fatigue syndrome?

Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. The best approach is usually a combination of medical, lifestyle, and psychological strategies tailored to each person’s needs [24].

Medicines

Painkillers and anti-inflammatories for pain and headaches [25]
Anticonvulsants for nerve pain and sleep [26]
Antidepressants for mood, sleep, and pain [26]
Antivirals and immune-modulating drugs are being researched but aren’t widely available [27]

Non-medicine approaches

Adaptive pacing therapy (APT): Balancing activity and rest to avoid “crashes”
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): May help some people cope, but is not a cure [28]
Graded exercise therapy (GET): Controversial and can worsen symptoms for many [29], [30]
Sleep hygiene and relaxation techniques
Nutrition and hydration advice

Innovative treatments

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN): May help reduce fatigue, pain, and inflammation by balancing the immune system [31].
Melatonin buccal film: Supports sleep and may reduce fatigue [32].
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) buccal film: Improves energy and quality of life, with better absorption than standard pills [33].

Medical Mojo’s “Three R” programme combines these therapies for a science-backed, personalised approach to managing CFS symptoms.

How can Medical Mojo help with chronic fatigue syndrome?

We know every CFS journey is different. That’s why our support is flexible, practical, and always evidence-based. Here’s what we offer:

One-to-one wellness coaching: Get advice and support tailored to your life and symptoms.
Innovative compounded therapies: Including LDN, melatonin, and CoQ10 buccal films.
Guidance on pacing, nutrition, and sleep: Simple strategies that make a real difference.
Regular check-ins and ongoing support: We’re here for you, every step of the way.
The “Three R” programme: A first-of-its-kind approach in the UK, combining the latest science with a personalised plan to help you recover your energy, rest better, and recharge your life.

What is the Medical Mojo 3R CFS treatment plan?

The 3R CFS treatment plan stands for:

Recover
Rest
Recharge

This approach combines three targeted therapies to help manage the complex symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome:

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN),
Melatonin buccal film, and
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) buccal film.

Low-dose naltrexone

LDN is thought to help by modulating the immune system and reducing inflammation, which may ease pain and fatigue.

Melatonin

Melatonin supports better sleep quality—crucial for CFS patients who often struggle with insomnia or unrefreshing rest.

Coenzyme Q10

CoQ10, delivered via buccal film for improved absorption, assists in cellular energy production and acts as an antioxidant, potentially reducing oxidative stress and boosting daily energy levels.

3R CFS treatment plan summary

Together, these therapies aim to address several core challenges of CFS: persistent tiredness, poor sleep, and low energy.

By combining immune modulation, sleep support, and enhanced cellular energy, the 3R plan offers a comprehensive and practical approach for people living with chronic fatigue syndrome.

This multi-faceted plan is tailored to support patients’ unique needs and can be adjusted as symptoms change, aiming to improve quality of life and daily functioning.

Patient experiences and challenge

Many patients feel misunderstood and face stigma, partly because some doctors don’t recognise CFS as a “real” illness.

The controversy over GET and CBT has caused frustration, especially when treatments make symptoms worse or dismiss a patient’s experience [29], [30]. Some people find it hard to explain their symptoms to family and friends, and may feel isolated as a result. Support groups, online communities, and a good healthcare team can make a big difference.

Looking to the future

Research continues into the causes and treatments of CFS, including genetics, immune function, and new technologies. The goal is to develop better tests and personalised therapies to improve patient outcomes [34].

There’s hope on the horizon, and researchers have recently developed an objective test for chronic fatigue symptoms [35]. This may finally bring vindication for those people with CFS who were frequently told it was all in the mind.

FAQs about chronic fatigue syndrome

What is CFS, and how is it different from just being tired?

CFS is a long-term condition with extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. It’s often worse after activity and includes other symptoms like brain fog and pain.