Neuroendocrine signature of ME/CFS: Meta-analytic evidence for bioactive cortisol deficit and exaggerated feedback sensitivity.

Mol PsychiatryApr 23, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchEndocrinologyPsychiatryOpen access

Tae-Wook Woo, Yu-Jin Choi, Jun-Yeol Kim et al.

✦ AI-curated · Sources linked

In 30 seconds

This meta-analysis examined the neuroendocrine profile of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) by analyzing 46 studies with 1388 patients. It found significantly lower salivary cortisol levels at awakening and throughout the day, indicating a bioactive cortisol deficit and heightened feedback sensitivity in the HPA axis, suggesting a hyporeactive endocrine state in ME/CFS.

Key findings

  • Lower salivary cortisol levels at awakening and in the morning were observed in ME/CFS patients.
  • 24-hour urinary cortisol and hair cortisol levels were also reduced in this population.
  • Patients showed impaired cortisol release in response to ACTH stimulation during pharmacological challenges.
  • Exaggerated suppression of cortisol was noted following glucocorticoid administration.

Why it matters

Understanding the neuroendocrine dysregulation in ME/CFS can help clinicians recognize the underlying mechanisms contributing to symptoms like fatigue and cognitive impairment, potentially guiding more effective management strategies.

Source

PubMed · PMID 42026257Free full text on PubMed Central

Published in Mol Psychiatry. This summary was written by xxcode from the publication's abstract and metadata. It is not peer reviewed and is not a substitute for the original article. For clinical decisions, review the original publication.

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