Symptoms And Effects Of Fibromyalgia In Women

Still, researchers aren’t sure why women have a higher risk for developing fibromyalgia than men. The only way to test for it is to rule out other possible conditions. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes fatigue, widespread pain, and tenderness throughout the body. The condition affects both sexes, although women are far more likely to develop fibromyalgia. Between 80 and 90 percent of people who get a diagnosis are women, according to the National Institutes of Health. Sometimes men receive a misdiagnosis because they may describe fibromyalgia symptoms differently. 




Women often report higher pain intensity than men. The reasons behind this may be related to hormones, immune system differences, or genes. Read on to learn how different fibromyalgia symptoms and what is the effects of fibromyalgia in women.





Symptoms of fibromyalgia

  


The primary symptoms of fibromyalgia are:

 


Widespread pain throughout the body

 


A heightened, painful response to pressure at many tender points on the body

 


Individuals with fibromyalgia may also experience these symptoms:

 


Moderate to severe fatigue

 


Difficulty sleeping

 


Joint stiffness

 


Headaches

 


Tingling, numbness or a burning or prickling sensation in hands and feet

 


Painful menstrual periods

 


Irritable bowel

 


Problems with thinking and memory

 


 


Fibromyalgia 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

 



Treatments

 


You may need to take several different types of medicines for fibromyalgia, including painkillers and antidepressants.

 


Other treatment options

 


These include:

 


swimming, sitting or exercising in a heated pool or warm water

 


an individually tailored exercise programme

 


cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – a talking therapy that aims to change the way you think about things, so you can tackle problems more positively

 


psychotherapy – a talking therapy that helps you understand and deal with your thoughts and feelings

relaxation techniques

 



psychological support – any kind of counselling or support group that helps you deal with issues caused by fibromyalgia

 


 


Alternative therapies

 


Some people with fibromyalgia try complementary or alternative treatments, such as:

 


acupuncture

massage

manipulation

aromatherapy

 


 


There's little scientific evidence that such treatments help in the long term. But some people find certain treatments help them relax and feel less stressed, allowing them to cope with their condition better.Research into some complementary medicines, such as plant extracts, has found they're not effective in treating fibromyalgia.

 




If you decide to use any complementary or herbal remedies, check with your GP first. Some remedies can react unpredictably with other medication or make it less effective.

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