Physicians are often at a loss when it comes to treating patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). These disorders strike women four times as much as men, and typically associated with a unique set of physiologic anomalies. A multi-system approach rather than single-drug modalities should be employed to treat these conditions.
Solutions in compounding pharmacy have shown promise for treating FM and CFS. American Integrative Pharmacy is one of the premier providers of advanced compounding treatments for patients in Long Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles, South Bay Orange County, Southern California areas, and nationwide.
Diagnosis
The patients of FM must experience the pain for at least three months before their diagnosis is confirmed. They will feel pain upon palpation at 11 out of 18 tender points. However, other elements such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive dysfunction should also be taken into account.
In case of CFS diagnosis, the patient should experience fatigue that fails to get better with bed rest. The patient’s average daily activity level will be reduced by over 50 percent for at least six months before the diagnosis is confirmed. The patient will also experience four or more of these symptoms: sore throat, joint pain, cognitive dysfunction, headaches, muscle pain, irregular sleep, and post-exertional malaise.
Multisystem Treatment Approach
Component One
The patient should be stabilized at this stage. Medications can be prescribed to address the pain and sleep disturbances caused due to FM and CFS. This is only the first stage of treatment, but many physicians do not go beyond this treatment level, and the patient cannot find significant or lasting relief.
Component Two
This stage involves mitochondrial enhancement. The mitochondria are the energy producers for cells where sugar is burned. When they do not work properly, the cells and tissue become starved for energy. This abnormality could become the endpoint for dysfunctions related to FM and CFS.
Administering mitochondrial intermediates and nutrients, such as magnesium, carnitine, D- ribose, CoQ10 and glutathione, can improve the function of mitochondria and mitigate symptoms of FM and CFS.
Component Three
Hypothalamic and pituitary dysfunction is seen in FM and CFS, which leads to multiple hormonal deficiencies in patients of FM and CFS. The physician must pay special attention to deficiencies of thyroid, growth hormone and cortisol in such patients, and offer treatments to restore hormonal balance in the body.
Component Four
A number of infections may either cause or contribute to FM and CFS. This includes a variety of viruses and intracellular bacterial infections such as mycoplasma and Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease). Antimicrobial treatments directed to treat such infections can be significantly beneficial in addressing FM and CFS.
Component Five
Unique pathological etiologies must be addressed to treat the symptoms of FM and CFS. Treatments such as Heparin may help the patients. Finally, maintenance is an important part of the overall treatment process. Therapies should be adjusted and weaned to minimal core treatments.
AIP offers a wide range of compounding pharmacy solutions and services, including online prescription refills, for patients in Long Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles, South Bay Orange County, Southern California areas, and nationwide.
For more information on compound medications available or to make an online prescription purchase, please click here or call Toll Free 1-855-247-7948.
American Integrative Pharmacy is located in Lomita, CA serving residents in and around Orange County, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Torrance and surrounding areas. Online prescription sales are available across the US.
