Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men. In addition, they often have more severe symptoms. Female fibromyalgia sufferers often report more acute pain, anguish, and other symptoms than male sufferers. It affects women in a variety of ways, and this article examines some of how it manifests itself. Other typical reasons and treatment options are discussed as well.
Fibromyalgia in Females
There is no cure for Fibromyalgia, a long-term disorder that causes fatigue, pain, and tenderness throughout the body. Although both men and women can be affected by Fibromyalgia, the disorder is significantly more common in women. According to the National Institutes of Health, 80 and 90% of people who get a diagnosis and treatment are females.
In some cases, males are incorrectly diagnosed with Fibromyalgia because they explain their symptoms differently. Women are more likely to describe their suffering as more intense than men. Hormones, immune system changes, or genetics could all have a role.
The cause of the increased incidence of Fibromyalgia in women is still a mystery. To test for it, you must rule out all other possibilities. Fibromyalgia symptoms can manifest themselves in a variety of ways for women.
Severer Menstrual Pain
Menstrual period cramps might be mild or extremely painful, depending on the woman. When it comes to menstrual cramps, women with the illness are more likely to experience them than their peers. The intensity of pain can vary from day to day, depending on the woman's cycle.
Fibromyalgia is most common in women between the ages of 40 and 55. Women who have recently gone through or are currently going through menopause may find that their fibromyalgia symptoms are worse.
Having Fibromyalgia at menopause can lead to an increase in the following symptoms:
- Crankiness
- Soreness
- Achiness
- Anxiety
After menopause, your body generates 40% less estrogen. Serotonin, which regulates pain and mood, is controlled by estrogen. Perimenopause, or "around menopause," can cause some fibromyalgia symptoms. Some of them are the following:
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Sleep deprivation
- A lack of clarity in reasoning
- Depression
Fibromyalgia might be accompanied by endometriosis in certain patients. Similar to the cells that border the uterus, these cells proliferate elsewhere in the pelvis. Endometriosis pain can be made worse by Fibromyalgia. If these symptoms persist beyond menopause, make an appointment with your doctor.
Tender Points and Intense Fibromyalgia Pain in Women
A deep or dull pain that extends from the muscles to other body portions is a common description of the pain associated with amplified Fibromyalgia. Some people can also feel pins and needles sensation.
To be diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, you must experience pain in all areas of your body, including the upper and lower body on both sides. The pain might come and go. Some days are worse than others. This could make it difficult to create plans for daily activities.
Fibromyalgia pain is perceived differently by men and women, which is interesting. Both claim to have been in intense pain at some point in their lives. While this may be the case, men are more likely to report lower pain levels than women. According to a new study, women report more "all-over suffering" and longer periods of pain than males. Estrogen has been shown to reduce pain tolerance in women with Fibromyalgia.
Tender Points
Tender spots and widespread pain characterize Fibromyalgia. Some parts of the body hurt when touched or pressed on, mainly near joints. Researchers have discovered a total of 18 probable tender spots. The number of delicate spots on women's bodies is at least two times more than on men's. In women, these areas are more sensitive. You may feel pain in any or all of the following areas:
- Between the shoulders
- Front of neck
- Top of chest
- Top of hips
- Inside of the knees
Pelvic tender spots are another possibility. Chronic pelvic pain and dysfunction refer to pain that persists for over six months (CPPD). These pains might begin in the back and spread to the thighs, depending on where they originate.
When to See a Doctor?
See your doctor if these symptoms interfere with your health or accompany other fibromyalgia symptoms. Fibromyalgia cannot be diagnosed with a single test. Like rheumatoid arthritis, the condition's symptoms can be similar (RA). Fibromyalgia, on the other hand, does not induce inflammation.
As a result, your doctor will perform a physical exam and order various tests to rule out any more issues.
Having Fibromyalgia does not necessarily mean your life is in danger, but it can certainly impact your quality of life. You can slow down Fibromyalgia with early therapy.