Fibromyalgia Symptoms Affect Mostly Women

fibromaylgia
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fibromyalgia symptoms women

Fibromyalgia Symptoms Women – Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome known by symptoms of musculoskeletal pain in specific anatomical sites. However the identifiable physical or physiological causes are unknown.  In addition, this diagnosis is considerably more common in women than men.

Why Does Fibromyalgia Affect Women More Than Men?

Think You Might Have Fibromyalgia?  Take Our Fibromyalgia Test

The Fibro Pain

The pain is also described as;

  • Sharp or achy
  • Spread out
  • Severe
  • Pounding
  • Stabbing

Some will have fairly consistent symptoms while others may experience periods of remission and then flare ups. When it’s at its worst they can be accompanied by heart palpitations.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms Women

Fibromyalgia symptoms in both woman and men can overlap into psychosomatic disorders  starting first from;

  • Pain
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Seep disturbances

Which can turn into depression and anxiety.  Are we saying that Fibromyalgia is a mental problem?  No but it can lead to one.

It has more commonly been categorized as a central nervous system disorder.  One that can be chronic. However, research suggests a strong correlation between Fibromyalgia and mental health.

Fibromyalgia affects approximately 4% to 6% of the population.  Affecting 1 million people in Canada alone.  Interestingly enough, 70% to 90% of the diagnosed cases are women.

That doesn’t mean that men can’t be affected obviously.  However, it is clearly a condition affecting more woman.

Click to read, “The Dos and Donts of the Fibromyalgia Diet” to find the  best diet for fibromyalgia. 

No Fibromyalgia Lab Tests

Unfortunately there are no lab tests to diagnose fibromyalgia.  Determining the syndrome is by confirming a list of symptoms (see above).  Mainly the symptoms of pain and fatigue, assessed by a qualified doctor.

Why this is so important is because other conditions need to be ruled out.   Sadly, this condition can be used as a label to acknowledge a problem without any other known cause.

A fibromyalgia diagnosis can be considered if no other known cause is determined.  Presence of tender points in 18 possible sites on the body must also be present.  These points produce pain when pressure is applied.  A person must have 11 or more of these tender points among other symptoms if a diagnostic conclusion will be made.

Think You Might Have Fibromyalgia?  Take Our Full Fibromyalgia Test

References:

Amanda MacMillan / Health. (Sep. 2017). Lady Gaga Has Postponed Her Tour Because of Her Fibromyalgia. Here’s What to Know About the Painful Disorder.
Retrieved from http://time.com/4946983/lady-gaga-fibromyalgia-disorder/

(Jul. 2018). Fibromyalgia. Britannica
Retrieved from www.britannica.com/science/fibromyalgia

CFS – Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms & Natural Solutions

CFS

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex chronic disorder characterized by extreme fatigue and isn’t typically relieved by rest.  The cause is not explained by any underlying medical condition.  People with CFS are frequently unable to perform their daily activities.  In some of the worst cases, some are confined to their beds.  The condition affects millions of people all over the world.  Although it affects both children and adults, women appear to be affected the most (1).

There is no known “cure” for CFS.  Primarily because the underlying cause can be different from person to person. However, many people have resolved their condition or significantly reduced their symptoms by employing several natural solutions.  CFS can last anywhere from months to years.  Especially true when no action has been taken.  There are a number of factors that are associated with this condition.

Causes Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The exact cause of CFS is unknown to each individual person.  However, research has shown many contributing factors to this condition which includes;

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

The symptoms of CFS will vary from one individual to the next.  The symptoms will also range in severity.  The most prominent symptom will be fatigue.  A frustrating factor for many is that the fatigue doesn’t get relieved by rest.  This results in a noticeable decrease in one’s activity level.  Episodes of fatigue can last for months or years.  Other CFS symptoms my include;

  1. Sleep Disorders (5)

People with CFS may experience sleep disorders such as:

  • Insomnia
  • Hypersomnia
  • Restless legs
  • Night sweats
  • Light sleep
  • Fragmented sleep
  • Lack of refreshing sleep

Sound like you?  Click here for Ten Tricks To Get The Best Sleep EVER!

2. Pain (6)

People with CFS may experience different types of pain such as:

  • Muscle pains
  • Headaches
  • Joint pain and swelling
  • Sore throat
  • Swollen and painful lymph nodes on the neck and armpits.

Click here for a Natural Relief For Muscle Pain.

3. Cognitive Impairment (7)

This can range from:

  • Memory loss
  • Reduced concentration
  • Dizziness
  • Numbness
  • Panic attacks

Click here to read about Natural Solutions For Brain Fog.

4. Additional Symptoms

Other symptoms that some people may experience include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Body temperature changes
  • Stress

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis

Diagnosing CFS can take time.  The symptoms can mimic other medical conditions.  Doctors must rule out all other illnesses in order to diagnose you with CFS.  Be sure that you see your healthcare practitioner if you have experienced chronic fatigue or any of the above symptoms for more than six months, and you do not feel refreshed after sleeping.

CFS affects many people.  Most of which are unaware they have the condition.  It is important that you understand all the symptoms.  Inform your healthcare practitioner of them.  A review of your full health history including any medications you may be taking should also be discussed.  It’s important to be through as any missing information may hinder your ability to uncover the underlying cause of your condition.  This can lead to depression and a restriction of physical activities.

Natural Solutions For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

There is no specific cure for CFS.  However, there are various natural solutions that patients use to eliminate the symptoms.  In some cases, even resolve their condition.  It is always a good idea to discuss your natural approach with your healthcare provider.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

The treatment involves helping patients manage CFS.  The therapy focuses on helping one accept the condition, be able to manage the symptoms and change their attitude towards the condition.  This will allow the you to gain a better understanding of how to overcome the symptoms.  The treatment is offered on a one to one basis; hence you need to have an experienced practitioner (8).

2. Physical Activities

The best natural remedy for chronic fatigue syndrome is physical exercise.  It’s especially important to engage in exercises that raise your heart rate.  Exercises such as swimming, walking, and climbing stairs should not add to the fatigue you already have.  Always start with just a few minutes of exercise and gradually increase.  If you lack confidence or are unsure where to start, consider consulting your healthcare practitioner or personal trainer (9).

3. Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes involve resting and relaxing more.  If you are facing difficulties with sleep, stress and pain, you should rest and relax during the day.  Make sure that you do not sleep too much during the day.

4. Decrease The Consumption Of Caffeine & Alcohol

If you have chronic fatigue syndrome, you should eliminate caffeine and alcohol.  The remedy is for those people who have difficulties sleeping at night (10).  For more information click here to read, “Are you Addicted to Caffeine? How to Detox without Withdrawals”.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a condition that affects many people.  It is important to understand the causes, symptoms and how to treat it naturally.  Working with a health care provider will help you recover faster.

You’re one step closer!

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26190206
https://www.bmj.com/content/333/7568/575.short
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0140673691914406
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-0447.1998.tb10030.x
https://www.bmj.com/content/306/6886/1161.short
https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/97332
https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/62/2/151.short
https://www.bmj.com/content/312/7022/22.full.pdf+html
https://www.bmj.com/content/314/7095/1647.full
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022399903000771

Online Fibromyalgia Test

fibromyalgia diagnosis

LIVING WITH FIBROMYALGIA? The following Fibromyalgia test will help you determine if you have the metabolic fingerprints of Fibromyalgia. Diagnosing Fibromyalgia is a challenge. There are many illnesses with similar symptoms that can be misdiagnosed as this condition that should be ruled out, and although there isn’t a specific blood test, there are markers that suspected patients with fibromyalgia will have that point in the direction of a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia . This questionnaire we have prepared is a simplified version of the diagnostic criteria provided by the American College of Rheumatology. Please note that there is not definitive diagnostic questionnaire available and you should always consult your doctor for medical advice any health concerns, however this tool can be used to provide some guidance. Fill in the form below and click the big button at the bottom to analyze your results.  Also, click here to learn about foods to avoid with fibromyalgia.

A. Widespread Pain Index

This is the first part of the fibromyalgia test. Where do you feel your pain? Using the diagram above indicate each of the 18 tender points on your body you have experienced pain over the past 7 days and count 1 for each point.

Total number of pain points: /18 Points

B. Symptom Severity Scale

Using a scale of 0 (No problem) to 3 (Severe and Ongoing), rate your symptom severity over the past week in each of the 3 categories.

Fatigue Waking Unrefreshed Brain Fog
/3 /3 /3

C.  Somatic Symptoms List

People with Check any symptoms you have experienced over the past week. Symptoms include:

Muscle Pain
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Fatigue/Tiredness
Thinking / Memory problems
Muscle Weakness
Headache
Pain/Cramps in Abdomen
Numbness / Tingling
Dizziness
Insomnia
Depression
Constipation
Pain in Upper Abdomen
Nausea
Nervousness
Chest Pain
Blurred Vision
Fever
Diarrhea
Dry Mouth
Itching
Wheezing
Hives / Welts
Ringing In the Ears
Vomiting
Heartburn
Oral ulcers
Loss/ Change in Taste
Seizures
Dry Eyes
Shortness of Breath
Loss of Appetite
Rash
Sun Sensitivity
Hearing Difficulty
Easy Bruising - Hair Loss
Frequent Urination
Bladder Spasms