Early Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia Everyone Should Be Aware Of

Painful Menstrual Periods

Women are ten times more likely to develop fibromyalgia compared to men, and unfortunately, for some of these women, that also includes excruciating menstrual periods and cramping. The part of the nervous system that is responsible for regulating menstrual periods is very sensitive to any changes the body may experience, which includes symptoms of fibromyalgia. A majority of women who have this condition report an increase in their symptoms prior to their impending periods and during menses.

Although these symptoms and the amount of pain experienced is strictly individual, any symptom that is uncomfortable or painful for the patient can worsen during her period. Symptoms that may flare up during a period include widespread pain, fatigue, memory problems, chronic headaches, and difficulty sleeping. Women may also experience an increase in dysmenorrhea, which is menstrual pain and cramping that is strong enough to disrupt their daily lives.

Extreme Fatigue

Fibromyalgia patients may experience extreme fatigue to the point that it interferes with personal, social, and occupational life. This may occur in the early stages of the disease and is the second most common symptom of the disorder. (The most common symptom is body aches and deep muscle pain.) The fatigue associated with fibromyalgia has been described as 'flu-like' and can even occur immediately upon waking up in the morning. The extreme fatigue experienced often occurs in conjunction with emotional problems, including depression and anxiety. Daytime naps may sometimes help deal with extreme fatigue, but at other times, they may fail to provide relief.