A typical dosage is 5 to 25mg, half at 8:00am and half in the late afternoon to match the diurnal rhythm. DHEA capsules made with methylcellulose act like time release capsules. A recent study found that DHEA aids the production of T-helper lymphocytes, and enhances the availability of the T and B-lymphocytes to defend the body against infection. DHEA can produce improvement in energy level, stamina and general well being.For all CFIDS patients, it is important to support the adrenal glands, which are often exhausted, (low serum cortisols can be measured in the blood), through taking extra vitamin-C, pantothenic acid, and adrenal glandulars 2 to 3 times a day. Support of the liver through supplements and herbs is also essential. A course of immune stimulating herbs like echinacea, astralagus or cat's claw may be necessary.

For the sleeping problems of CFIDS, tryptophan can be useful. Tryptophan is an amino acid, one of the building blocks of protein and is available only by prescription. In doses of 2,000 to 4,000mg it helps you to sleep without a hangover effect. It is not yet officially approved for this usage. In the U.S. tryptophan is available by prescription as 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (50mg of 5-hydroxy-tryptophan equals 500mg of tryptophan).

If you suspect you have this severe condition you may have to educate both yourself and your doctor. Women with this problem have tended to be dismissed by their doctors, told their problem was all in their head, or referred to a psychiatrist.

Chronic fatigue syndrome patients may be like the canary in the coal mine. They are warning us that the overuse of drugs and the onslaught of chemicals into our food, air and water, are taking a heavy toll on our health.

"Having worked with CFS patients for almost ten years, I believe this illness may simply represent the ten to 15 percent of our species, who have not yet adapted to the rapid and startling changes in the environment, and the subsequent changes in our intestinal environment." Says Dr. Jessop in her introduction to Dr. Crook's book, CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME AND THE YEAST CONNECTION.

Chronic fatigue must be taken seriously by physicians and women alike. Chronic fatigue is, I believe, another 20th century disease. It is the result of women living in a world where the food, air and water is heavily polluted, where they are burdened with ever increasing work loads and higher standards of housekeeping; where they are caught in a conflict between the roles of motherhood and career and between nurturing and self-fulfilment; and where they are living in a world where they are anything but equal.

A Brief Survey Of Treatments For Your Physician:

Dr. Paul Cheney: Two windows of recovery 2 to 3 years and 4 to 5 years.

• Use elimination diet to identify food allergies.

• Digestive Enzymes with meals three times a day.

• Activity limited: Essential to pace, avoid overheating, including saunas and hot baths.

• Exercise prescription: Anaerobic training, submaximal aerobic training; walking, swimming, cycling.

• Multivitamin and multimineral: High quality, hypoallergenic in capsules, plus the major antioxidant vitamins: Ester-C 1 gram; vitamin-E 400IU and betacarotene, 10,000 units daily (to destroy "neurotoxic free radicals").

• Injectable B-12: 2500 to 5000 micrograms two to three time a week for two weeks S.C. if no response then give monthly or bi-monthly.

• Co-enzyme Q-10: 200mg sublingual lozenges daily.

• Magnesium citrate liquid or capsules: 250 to 500mg a day combined with at least 500mg of calcium.

• Flax seed oil or EPO as above.

• Hormone and DHEA replacement, as necessary.

• Antiviral regimen: Ampligen, recently approved by the FDA for CFIDS, is given by injection. It is a mismatched double stranded RNA, and a known biological response modifier with anti-viral properties, and immune enhancing properties.

• Hydrotherapy to improve lymphatic flow.