Fibromyalgia: symptoms in women and how it is diagnosed

Widespread pain, feeling drained after sleep, and brain fog are familiar to many women, but these complaints are not always caused by inflammation. Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition in which the nervous system processes pain signals differently. There is no specific test for it, so the diagnosis is built from history-taking, physical examination, and ruling out other diseases.

What fibromyalgia is

Fibromyalgia, or fibromyalgia syndrome, is a chronic condition with widespread pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. The exact cause is unknown: brain studies show that pain is processed differently than in people without fibromyalgia, and genetic predisposition also plays a role. Sometimes the onset is linked to trauma, infection, or stress. It is estimated that the condition may affect nearly 1 in 20 people, and among patients 80–90% are women.

Main symptoms of fibromyalgia

The main manifestations are chronic pain and stiffness throughout the body, often symmetrical, described as aching, burning, or throbbing, as well as fatigue and sleep problems. A person may not feel restored after waking up. Additionally, there may be problems with concentration and memory ("fibro fog"), headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, and increased sensitivity to light, noise, smells, and temperature.

• Pain and stiffness throughout the body
• Fatigue and poor sleep
• Difficulty with concentration and memory
• Headaches and irritable bowel syndrome
• Increased sensitivity to light, noise, smells, and cold

Specific features of symptoms in women

Women are affected by fibromyalgia twice as often as men, and the typical age of onset is 25 to 55 years, although a person of any age can be affected. In women over 45 with insomnia, the risk of fibromyalgia is five times higher than in peers without problems falling asleep. Symptoms are variable: they may suddenly worsen or subside. Depression and anxiety occur more often, but they are more likely concomitant conditions than the cause of pain.

How fibromyalgia is diagnosed

The diagnosis is difficult: there is no specific test, and pain and fatigue are characteristic of many diseases. The doctor asks in detail about symptoms, performs an examination, and may order blood tests — for glucose, thyroid hormones (T4, TSH), antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, prolactin, and calcium — as well as X-rays. This is how other causes are ruled out. If the tests are normal, the sensitivity of characteristic points on the body is checked.

How fibromyalgia is distinguished from other diseases with similar symptoms

A similar picture occurs with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis — fibromyalgia is more common in these conditions. The doctor rules out rheumatic diseases and arthritis, as well as migraine. In fibromyalgia, examinations do not show signs of inflammation in the intestines or bladder, although complaints are present. Sometimes the diagnosis takes visits to several specialists.

When to see a doctor

You should see a doctor if widespread pain and fatigue persist for a long time and interfere with life. Treatment does not completely eliminate symptoms but relieves them. Ask your doctor which examinations are needed in your case, how other diseases will be ruled out, and where you will be referred next.

Fibromyalgia itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103 or 112 — if life-threatening signs appear, such as severe chest pain, signs of stroke, or a serious condition requiring emergency care.

This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: only a specialist can assess your symptoms and make a diagnosis.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer