Fibromyalgia typically affects women in their twenties and thirties, and it’s more common in women than men, though researchers don’t know why. Because it’s tricky to diagnose, it’s important to understand the symptoms so you can recognize it and suggest the possibility to your doctor.
Here, the most common symptoms, what is the effects of fibromyalgia in women, and how to deal with them.
Fibromyalgia Test for Diagnosis
There are no blood tests or X-rays that specifically point the doctor to the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Tests are often done to exclude other possible diagnoses. Other lab tests may be performed to rule out other possible conditions. Once a doctor completes diagnostic tests, the following criteria will be used to determine if a fibromyalgia diagnosis is appropriate:
Pain has been widespread in all four quadrants of the body
Pain has been present for at least three months
There is no other disease that would be causing these symptoms
Fibromyalgia Symptoms in Women
As we know, women are more likely than men to develop fibromyalgia. Women have described fibromyalgia pain as a dull ache that starts in the muscles. Women may also have trouble remembering and concentrating or they may jumble up words when they speak. These symptoms have been called “fibro fog” because their minds often feel foggy.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms List
Women may also experience the following symptoms:
Migraines
Painful periods
Pain during sexual intercourse
Irritable bowel and bladder
Restless leg syndrome
Sensitivity to loud noises and bright lights
Intense fibromyalgia pain and tender points in women
Amplified fibromyalgia pain is often described as a deep or dull ache that starts in the muscles and radiates to other parts of the body. Some people also have a pins and needles sensation.
For a fibromyalgia diagnosis, the pain must affect all parts of your body, on both sides including the upper and lower parts. The pain may come and go. It can be worse on some days than on others. This may make it hard to plan for daily activities.
What’s interesting is that men and women experience fibromyalgia pain differently. Both report experiencing an intense level of pain at some point in time. But overall men tend to report a lower pain intensity than women. Women experience more “all-over hurting” and longer durations of pain. Fibromyalgia pain is often stronger in women because estrogen decreases pain tolerance.
Tender points
In addition to widespread pain, fibromyalgia causes tender points. These are specific areas around the body, usually near your joints that hurt when they are pressed on or touched. Researchers have identified 18 possible tender points. On average, women report at least two more tender points than men. These tender points are also more sensitive in women. You may experience pain in some or all of these places:
back of the head
area between the shoulders
front of the neck
top of the chest
outside of the elbows
top and sides of the hips
insides of the knees
Tender points can also appear around the pelvic area. Pain that’s ongoing and lasts for more than six months is called chronic pelvic pain and dysfunction (CPPD). These aches can start in the back and run down the thighs.
Fibromyalgia Treatment
There is no cure for fibromyalgia, treatment can relieve some of the symptoms. Since symptoms are diverse and vary among patients, treatment programs must be individualized for each patient. Treatment programs are most effective when they combine patient education, stress reduction, regular exercise, and medications. There are also alternative remedies and lifestyle habits that may help ease fibromyalgia symptoms. Ultimately, the physician, physical therapist, and patient may all play an active role in the management of fibromyalgia.
Common Treatments Are:
Exercise
Stress Reduction
Diet
Medications
Local Injections
Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia Are:
Chiropractic Care
Acupuncture
Electroacupuncture and Laser Acupuncture
Massage Therapy
Biofeedback
Meditation
Fibromyalgia is considered a chronic condition that can last a lifetime. This is true in both men and women. The good news is that it isn’t considered a progressive disease — it doesn’t cause any direct damage to the body. This is different from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which can damage joints. Also, fibromyalgia isn’t fatal.
However, this doesn’t necessarily ease the pain that millions of women with fibromyalgia experience. The key is to keep up with your treatment plan, and to see your rheumatologist if it’s not working. The more researchers learn about the disorder and its effects on adults with the condition, the more hope there is for preventive treatments in the future.
