--- title: Are reproductive hormones abnormal in chronic fatigue syndrome? description: Reproductive hormones FSH, LH, estradiol, and progesterone were normal in women with chronic fatigue syndrome. However, cortisol (the stress hormone) was sign url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal-axis-hormones-and-cortisol-in-both-menstrual-2004/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Are reproductive hormones abnormal in chronic fatigue syndrome? Non-randomised trial, 2004 # Are reproductive hormones abnormal in chronic fatigue syndrome? Reproductive hormones FSH, LH, estradiol, and progesterone were normal in women with chronic fatigue syndrome. However, cortisol (the stress hormone) was significantly lower than in healthy women. Moderate study design 43 premenopausal women with chronic fatigue syndrome (mean age 32.86 ± 7.11) and 35 healthy controls (mean age 31.14 ± 6.19). ## What they did Researchers measured FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, and cortisol in 43 premenopausal women with chronic fatigue syndrome and compared them to 35 matched healthy controls. They measured hormones during both the follicular and luteal phases of the cycle. ## What they found No significant differences in FSH, LH, estradiol, or progesterone between patients and controls in either cycle phase. Cortisol levels were significantly lower in women with chronic fatigue syndrome compared to controls. Women with high depression scores had the same hormone levels as those with low depression scores. ## What it means for you The reproductive hormone system appears normal in chronic fatigue syndrome, but the stress hormone cortisol is low. This suggests chronic fatigue syndrome involves a different problem from typical depression, even though women with chronic fatigue often feel depressed. Results are limited to premenopausal women. 43 Women with chronic fatigue syndrome 35 Healthy control women 32.86 Mean age of CFS group (years) ## About the study Original title Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis hormones and cortisol in both menstrual phases of women with chronic fatigue syndrome and effect of depressive mood on these hormones Authors Cevik R, Gur A, Acar S et al. Journal BMC musculoskeletal disorders Year 2004 Study design Non-randomised trial Participants 43 What was tested No intervention; this was a comparison study. Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-5-47](https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-5-47) Original abstract Background: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disease which defined as medically unexplained, disabling fatigue of 6 months or more duration and often accompanied by several of a long list of physical complaints. We aimed to investigate abnormalities of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis hormones and cortisol concentrations in premenopausal women with CFS and find out effects of depression rate on these hormones. Methods: We examined follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone and cortisol concentrations in 43 premenopausal women (mean age: 32.86 +/- 7.11) with CFS and compared matched 35 healthy controls (mean age: 31.14 +/- 6.19). Patients were divided according to menstrual cycle phases (follicular and luteal) and compared with matched phase controls. Depression rate was assessed by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and patients with high BDI scores were compared to patients with low BDI scores. Results: There were no significant differences in FSH, LH, estradiol and progesterone levels in both of menstrual phases of patients versus controls. Cortisol levels were significantly lower in patients compared to controls. There were no significant differences in all hormone levels in patients with high depression scores versus patients with low depression scores. Conclusion: In spite of high depression rate, low cortisol concentration and normal HPG axis hormones of both menstrual phases are detected in premenopausal women with CFS. There is no differentiation between patients with high and low depression rate in all hormone levels. Depression condition of CFS may be different from classical depression and evaluation of HPG and HPA axis should be performed for understanding of pathophysiology of CFS and planning of treatment. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/)[Fatigue and energy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-fatigue/)[Stress](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-stress/)[Perimenopause and menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-perimenopause/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Survey study, 2003 Do hormone levels change during the menstrual cycle in women with depression? Study, 2025 Do women have different symptom patterns before, during, and after menopause? Cohort study, 2025 Is the stress hormone cortisol different in women with PMDD? 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