Women with fibromyalgia are more likely to report menstrual problems than those who do not have the condition. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease that affects the muscles and joints. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies fibromyalgia as a type of arthritis. People diagnosed with it also report symptoms such as fatigue, depression, insomnia, bowel trouble and gynecological disorders. In 2005, about 5 million people in the United States had fibromyalgia. The cause of the condition is unknown, but it is often triggered by an emotional or physical trauma and affects women more frequently than men.
Exacerbated Premenstrual Syndrome
Intense premenstrual syndrome is a symptom of fibromyalgia. PMS is a set of symptoms that includes fatigue, food cravings, cramping and irritability. The symptoms vary in severity from woman to woman. It affects women in the weeks prior to their menstrual cycle and the symptoms disappear after the cycle begins. In the April 2010 issue of Clinical Reviews in Allergy and Immunology, Dr. Daniela Amital wrote that fibromyalgia patients experience exacerbated PMS symptoms compared to women without fibromyalgia. It is unknown what causes the more severe symptoms.
Dysmenorrhea
Fibromyalgia can increase a person's pain sensitivity. Women with fibromyalgia are more likely to have dysmenorrhea, severe menstrual cramping. The pain is normally based in the lower stomach area but may radiate toward the legs and back. Some women may also experience headaches and nausea. For about 15 percent of women, the pain is so severe that it interferes with daily activities.
Insomnia, Mood Swings
In her book, "Fibromyalgia and Female Sexuality," Dr. Marline Emmal writes that women with fibromyalgia are more vulnerable to drops in levels of the hormone progesterone. This normally occurs near day 26 of the 28-day menstrual cycle. Progesterone has many physiological functions, including the regulation of ovulation. According to Dr. Emmal, for women with fibromyalgia, the decrease in progesterone can not only cause insomnia, but also heightened emotional symptoms such as irritability, crying spells, mood swings and depression.
References
- "Journal of Women's Health"; Women's Health Issues with Fibromyalgia Syndrome; Joan L.F. Shaver, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N.; November 2006
- CDC: Arthritis Related Statistics
- "Clinical Reviews in Allergy and Immunology"; The Premenstrual Syndrome and Fibromyalgia; Daniela Amital, M.D.; April 2010
- "BMC Health Services Research"; A Patient Survey of the Impact of Fibromyalgia; Ernest Choy, M.D., F.R.C.P.; April 2010
- "Fibromyalgia and Female Sexuality"; Marline Emmal, Ph.D.; July 2006
