PEM discussion thread - post-exertional malaise

[Hutan]

I don't think so but I do think cortisol is heavily involved in stress and energy production and thus could relate to (over)exertion.

Yes. I don't think there is any good evidence of cortisol levels that are abnormal (given the average lifestyle of people with ME/CFS - waking later, no morning rush) or that the production of cortisol in response to stressors is abnormal. I see that @arnoble has been directed to our thread on cortisol here already, on another thread, but link it here again for completeness.

I suppose bursts of cortisol may contribute to the effect of adrenalin in activating t-cells - I haven't looked to see if it does cortisol does that too.

 

[MeSci]

Years ago a friend with ME did the ACTH stimulation test and it came back normal. She didn't have insomnia either.

I've done the ACTH stimulation test which came back normal, but I do (often) have insomnia. Also, during the test, my gut swelled up severely, I think because I was told to sit still, and it was very uncomfortable.

 

[Mij]

I've done the ACTH stimulation test which came back normal, but I do (often) have insomnia. Also, during the test, my gut swelled up severely, I think because I was told to sit still, and it was very uncomfortable.

Yes, it can make some people feel nauseated too.