Fibromyalgia Symptoms in Females
“Women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men. They also typically experience more severe symptoms. Fibromyalgia symptoms in women can include fatigue, pain throughout the body, digestive issues,& more. Studies show that women with fibromyalgia typically experience more generalised pain, distress, & other associated symptoms, than men.” And this is why having a consultation with a Pain Doctor who specialises in Fibromyalgia, is essential to getting an accurate diagnosis & being given a Holistic Personalised Treatment Plan, which will put you on the road to optimum living [1]
So now let’s take a deep dive into the various ways that females can experience fibromyalgia.
In a Nutshell
Fibromyalgia can be described as a chronic condition that generates pain all over the body.
Sufferers experience a heightened sensitivity to discomfort and pain; and the level of the latter is variable from one person to another. At the current time, there is no precise cure, although Pain Doctors can help to ameliorate the pain and discomfort by using both conventional and cutting-edge treatments and therapies.
So What Are the Main Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
The hallmark is widespread long-term pain, which appears independently of arthritis, injuries, and other disorders. Sufferers can expect at least one of the following symptoms:
- Persistent pain across several regions in the body
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Numbness/tingling in the extremities
- Chronic fatigue
- Insomnia
- Cognitive issues, such as memory or concentration
- Digestive problems
- Dry eyes [1].
Moreover, traumatic or stressful events can set off fibromyalgia flare-ups, or exacerbate existing symptoms.
Did You Know?
“Fibromyalgia comprises tender points in 18 sensitive areas of the body; & that in many cases, Pain Consultants use these during diagnosis. A 2020 study found that women typically had higher tender point counts during fibromyalgia diagnosis. Moreover, according to the Office on Women’s Health, women are more likely to experience fatigue in the morning, & pain all over the body – symptoms specific to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)” [1]
Further Symptoms Common to Females With Fibromyaligia
As a Fibromyalgia Pain Specialist will tell you: during a woman’s menstrual phase, their fibromyalgia symptoms could worsen. (Of note, some research links this elevated pain to the sufferer’s levels of testosterone and progesterone). Moreover, when it comes to pregnancy, many females with fibromyalgia do not have any issues; although, for a percentage of women, pregnancy can actually worsen their symptoms. Furthermore, fibromyalgia can lead to heightened mood swings and fatigue, both of which are common during pregnancy [1].
Reference
Villines, Z. (2022). “Is Fibromyalgia Worse in Women?” Medical News Today.
