Does menopause increase my risk of developing fibromyalgia?
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Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:Generally, menopause does not increase your risk for developing fibromyalgia. However, as you go through menopause, your estrogen levels begin to drop and may cause symptoms that are sometimes similar to those of fibromyalgia. If you begin to experience sleep disruption and daytime fatigue, then these symptoms could be attributed to either menopause or fibromyalgia.
You will have a clearer understanding of the issues if you and your doctor review all of your symptoms instead of focusing on a select few. For example, symptoms of menopause such as night sweats and hot flashes are normally not symptoms of fibromyalgia. Likewise, symptoms of fibromyalgia such as muscle pain and morning stiffness are normally not symptoms of menopause.
If you have new symptoms that affect your quality of life, talk to your doctor so that your symptoms can be accurately diagnosed. Only with an accurate diagnosis can you begin to treat the specific issues based on the specific condition.Generally, menopause does not increase your risk for developing fibromyalgia. However, as you go through menopause, your estrogen levels begin to drop and may cause symptoms that are sometimes similar to those of fibromyalgia. If you begin to... More -
Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:We can’t say that menopause causes fibromyalgia, but we can say that fibromyalgia is more common in women after menopause. The drop in estrogen production may affect your ability to get a good night’s sleep, as well as your sensitivity to pain. Sleep complaints are common after menopause, and almost universal in people with fibromyalgia. The good news is that focusing on getting better sleep can help improve your fibromyalgia symptoms.
We can’t say that menopause causes fibromyalgia, but we can say that fibromyalgia is more common in women after menopause. The drop in estrogen production may affect your ability to get a good night’s sleep, as well as your... More -
Celeste Cooper answered:Predominately, fibromyalgia affects women between puberty and menopause, but it can occur at any age, including childhood and post menopause. Therefore, menopause has not been specifically identified as a risk for developing fibromyalgia.
All blogs, posts and answers are based on the work in Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection by Celeste Cooper, RN, and Jeff Miller, PhD. 2010, Vermont: Healing Arts press and are not meant to replace medical advice. http://www.thesethree.com
Author of Chapter Five, Living with and Coping Effectively Through Fibromyalgia: Detecting Barriers, Understanding the Clues, in Fibromyalgia Insider Secrets: 10 Top Experts, 2nd Ed. Ebook complied by Deirdre Rawlings, ND, PhD http://www.fibromyalgiainsidersecrets.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=121_0_1_59
Predominately, fibromyalgia affects women between puberty and menopause, but it can occur at any age, including childhood and post menopause. Therefore, menopause has not been specifically identified as a risk for developing fibromyalgia. All blogs,... More
