Symptoms of Fibromyalgia in Women
| December 17, 2011 | Posted by Sasha under Women's Health |
Fibromyalgia is a disorder in the body and is a persistent condition which affects the muscles, tendons and joints of many women. Fibromyalgia syndrome and particularly, fibromyalgia symptoms, can have a major effect on a woman’s health as they can affect their reproductive health as well as their ability to achieve pregnancy. Women tend to get Fibromyalgia more than men and it usually affects women aged 25 to 50. In recent years, studies and the use of a thermograph indicate that people suffering from Fibromyalgia have decreased blood flow around their body and the real temperature of the skin is lower in the areas where there is tenderness.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
Pain
The universal symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic muscle pain, weakness in the limbs, and leg cramps and muscle spasms or tightness. It feels like pain travels all through the body. Pain usually affects the neck, buttocks, shoulders, arms, the upper back, and the chest.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a general symptom of fibromyalgia. Women have moderate or severe fatigue. It becomes too difficult for a woman to fall asleep or to stay asleep.
Pelvic Problems
Women with fibromyalgia have some pelvic pain. With this condition a woman can have very painful menstrual periods and sexual intercourse can be very painful for her.
Digestive Problems
In fibromyalgia, most women experience gas and abdominal cramping. Women also have constipation and diarrhea and issues with heartburn, and they have a hard time swallowing.
Depression
Many women in fibromyalgia feel tension, depression or migraine headaches. A woman should visit her doctor if depression does not go away.
Other Symptoms
Some women feel sensitivity to odors, noise, bright lights, medications, certain foods, and cold. Sometimes women with this disorder have difficulty in remembering, concentrating, and performing simple mental tasks. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include numbness or tingling in the face, arms, hands, legs, or feet, increase in urinary urgency, dizziness, jaw and facial tenderness, chest pain, anxiety and skin issues like dry and itchy skin.
Treatment:
Medication
While there is no cure for fibromyalgia but a variety of medications can help to control symptoms. The most efficient medications in the treatment of fibromyalgia have been the tricyclic antidepressants, medications used in treating depression. Tricyclic anti depressants reduce fatigue, relieve muscle pain and spasm, and promote deep, restorative sleep in patients suffering from fibromyalgia. Exercise, relaxation and stress-reduction measures also may help. Lyrica (pregabalin) became the first medication for treating fibromyalgia in 2007. Gabapentin (Neurontin) is also specifically approved to treat fibromyalgia.
Diet
Diet plays an important role in the prevention of Fibromyalgia. By eating fruit and vegetables as well as increasing your intake of low fat, high fiber foods, and those high in Omega 3 Fatty Acids are beneficial for the patient suffering from Fibromyalgia. A recent study shows that the use of a vegetarian diet could help to lessen the symptoms of Fibromyalgia in patient. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine can also help to promote a more restful sleep in Fibromyalgia.
To avoid this disease it is advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, taking light exercise and a healthy well balanced diet as well as staying active as much as possible both at home and at work.
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