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Fibromyalgia & Thyroid Problems

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMSD), approximately 5 million U.S. adults suffer from fibromyalgia and nearly 90 percent are women. Women affected are usually between the ages of 35 and 55, according Medicine Net. Why fibromyalgia occurs is not known, but there are factors, such as heredity or an individuals' environment which can cause the chronic condition. Fibromyalgia can develop alone or in association with other diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid problems. The thyroid problems involve abnormal production of hormones.

  1. Fibromyalgia Symptoms

    • Fibromyalgia symptoms can occur intermittently or in various combinations. Pain and fatigue are the most noticeable symptoms of the condition. According to Medicine Net, fatigue occurs in 90 percent of fibromyalgia sufferers. Fibromyalgia symptoms include irritability, depression, anxiety, mood changes and poor concentration. Other fibromyalgia symptoms are tension headaches, abdominal pain, migraines, frequent urination and irritable bowel syndrome.

    Fibromyalgia Problems

    • Widespread extreme pain in localized tender areas of the body usually affects the chest, upper back, arms, shoulders, neck and buttocks. Both sides of the body are affected and cause muscle spasms if touched. In addition, fatigue can cause abnormal sleeping patterns and make the sufferer feel they have not slept enough. For instance, individuals can wake up with muscle fatigue or muscle aches, making it feel like they've been working all night, rather than sleeping, according to Medicine Net.

    Thyroid

    • The thyroid gland is located below the Adam's apple and in the front part of the neck. This gland produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolism. The thyroid regulates and prevents too much overproduction or underproduction of hormones. The pituitary gland senses the amount of hormone in the blood then adjusts the hormone production. Defects in this regulation can cause thyroid problems.

    Thyroid Problems

    • Hypothyroidism causes the thyroid gland to not produce enough hormones. For instance, Hashimoto's thyroiditis attacks the thyroid tissue and causes it to stop making hormones. With toxic adenomas, nodules develop in the thyroid gland and upset the body's natural chemical balance. Graves's disease occurs when the thyroid produces too much hormone. Subacute thyroiditis is the inflammation of the thyroid which causes the gland to produce and leak excess hormone. This can persist for weeks or months.

    Thyroid Symptoms

    • Hypothyroid symptoms include dry skin, brittle nails, constipation, fatigue and depression. Intolerance to cold, memory problems and irregular menstrual periods are other symptoms. Hypothyroidism can occur slowly, and symptoms include frequent bowel movements, weight loss, sweating, nervousness, moodiness, hand tremors and loss of fine hair. Irregular heartbeats, fatigue, weakness and trouble breathing are also symptoms. These hypothyroid symptoms aren't the same for everyone because of factors including age, how much hormone the gland produces and how long you've had the condition.

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