A new comprehensive literature study by Kent Holtorf, MD, proposes a treatment process that could help alleviate symptoms for patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM). Holtorf is the medical director of the Holtorf Medical Group Center for Endocrine, Neurological and Infection Related Illness in Torrance, Calif.

Holtorf recommends a simplified treatment process that may help alleviate symptoms of the two debilitating diseases that currently have limited treatment options and no confirmed causes.

These recommendations follow a review of more than 50 published studies assessing adrenal function in CFS and FM patients. Holtorf’s review found that the majority of CFS and FM patients displayed abnormal adrenal function due to hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, and that the majority of these patients could be treated for this adrenal dysfunction.

“My review of existing studies suggests that a treatment protocol of early administration of cortisol may help improve and reduce the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia,” says Holtorf.

Holtorf conducted a follow-up study of 500 patients from his clinic. By the fourth visit to the clinic, 94% of the participating patients who were given cortisol showed improvement in symptoms, and overall, patients’ energy levels doubled.

Neither CFS nor FM has a generally accepted test to accurately be detected. Both diseases primarily affect women in their 30s and 40s.

The study was published in the Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.