Fibromyalgia is one of the most misunderstood chronic pain disorders since it exhibits many different symptoms. Approximately ten million American adults are affected by fibromyalgia, with more than 75% being women. If you are one of them, you’ve probably experienced some of the common symptoms of fibromyalgia in women. Knowing the symptoms may help you manage your condition better and help you get the treatment that you need to start feeling better.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia in Women
Abdominal Pain
People with fibromyalgia often have digestive problems, including diarrhea and constipation, as their muscles aren’t functioning correctly. As a result, you might experience abdominal pain or discomfort that keeps you from eating normally or feeling full after meals. However, if you notice any of these issues, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. There are several treatment options for people who suffer from digestive problems as a result of fibromyalgia.
For example, a doctor can also prescribe anti-diarrheal medications, which can help reduce nausea and prevent dehydration. If you’re experiencing more severe digestive problems, such as frequent vomiting or bloody stools, your physician will likely recommend some over-the-counter remedies. You should never mix certain medications without talking to your doctor first.
Joint And Muscle Pain
You don’t have to suffer from fibromyalgia symptoms such as joint and muscle pain, headaches, insomnia, and irritable bowel syndrome alone. If you think you might have fibromyalgia, start by seeing your family doctor. Your doctor can confirm a diagnosis of primary fibromyalgia syndrome through physical examination and blood tests. The two most common conditions that can cause similar symptoms are rheumatoid arthritis and lupus (autoimmune disorders). If your doctor suspects one of these two disorders is causing your pain, they may recommend an autoimmune disease panel test to find the root cause of the illness.
Headaches
In some cases, fibromyalgia headaches are so bad that they prevent people from working or performing daily activities. Overall, fibromyalgia is a disorder that tends to sap your energy and leave you feeling exhausted and lethargic. Some people sleep up to 20 hours daily because their bodies have lost all desire to move around. This doesn’t just make it hard to get out of bed-it also makes it extremely tough to function at work or school. Many people living with fibromyalgia report sleeping difficulties like insomnia and sleep apnea.
Cognitive Impairment
Cognitive impairment is a very common symptom of fibromyalgia. Research shows that many people experience changes in memory, mood, attention, and concentration as a result of chronic pain. This is often called fibro fog – an inability to concentrate and multi-task.
Fatigue
Fatigue is perhaps one of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia in women. It makes it hard to get out of bed, stay awake, or complete daily activities. It’s not just physical fatigue that affects your daily life; you may also experience emotional and mental fatigue. Depression is also a common symptom for women with fibromyalgia. You may feel down or hopeless about your condition and future and even guilty about how much you rely on others for help with day-to-day tasks like cooking, cleaning, and shopping.
In some cases, people with fibromyalgia may be diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. The immune system attacks healthy cells in these conditions instead of fighting viruses and bacteria. Treatments for these conditions include medications and lifestyle changes. If you suspect you have an autoimmune disorder, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a chronic condition characterized by abdominal pain and alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation. Stress often makes symptoms worse, so stress management is an integral part of managing IBS. People with IBS should follow a diet that avoids known triggers such as high-fiber foods, caffeine, and alcohol. Exercise and meditation can help ease IBS symptoms. Many people find relief from their symptoms through self-care approaches such as hypnosis and acupuncture.
Dizziness, Vertigo, Nausea, Or Lightheadedness
Many people with fibromyalgia experience symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, nausea, or lightheadedness when they stand up. These symptoms may be due to a drop in blood pressure and oxygen levels resulting from fluid retention. It’s also important to note that extreme fatigue can mimic these symptoms. If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and are experiencing lightheadedness, it could be an indication of anemia. You should talk with your doctor if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.
Emotional Well-being And Mood Swings
About 80 percent of women with fibromyalgia experience some form of mood swings, ranging from irritability to significant depression. Any woman can be affected by mood-related symptoms, but it’s important to note that women are more likely than men to experience sleep problems and depression. It’s unclear why these mood-related issues are so prevalent among people living with fibromyalgia, but they can certainly make symptoms worse.
Finding ways to manage your emotional well-being and negative thoughts is essential. There are numerous ways to reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia in women and improve your quality of life. You must consult your doctor if you’re experiencing serious medical problems or have questions about treatments. A functional medicine doctor specializing in fibromyalgia and chronic pain can help. As with most chronic conditions, managing fibromyalgia requires a team effort between patient and practitioner. Together, you can help find solutions that will work for you.
