Fibromyalgia

Also known as:  Fibromyalgia Syndrome;  Fibrositis;  FM;  FMS

Fibromyalgia is a soft tissue Musculoskeletal Syndrome that is similar to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (it differs from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in that the primary symptom of Fatigue that is experienced by CFS patients is replaced with Musculoskeletal Pain in Fibromyalgia patients).

 Fibromyalgia affects approximately 3.5% of women and 0.5% of men.  Some research indicates that Fibromyalgia may affect 2% to 6% of the population.

 Approximately 85% of Fibromyalgia patients are young women and 90% of Fibromyalgia patients are women.

 Some experts claim that Fibromyalgia is the second most common rheumatic condition.

 Women afflicted with Fibromyalgia are usually aged 20 - 60 (most commonly 45 to 55).

 Although Fibromyalgia is less prevalent in men, men experience more severe symptoms of Fibromyalgia.

Alkaloids

 Capsaicin (applied topically) may alleviate the Musculoskeletal Pain associated with Fibromyalgia.  ^[2]

Amino Acids

 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) (50 - 300 mg per day (or night)) may alleviate Fibromyalgia.  ^[3]

 Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) may alleviate musculoskeletal Pain and may improve mental health in Fibromyalgia patients.  ^[4]

 Fibromyalgia patients generally have significantly lower levels of Creatine than healthy people (and supplemental Creatine Monohydrate may help to restore endogenous Creatine levels to normal in Fibromyalgia patients) - studies to determine whether supplemental Creatine Monohydrate could alleviate Fibromyalgia have not yet been performed.  ^[5]

 Fibromyalgia patients often exhibit significantly lower plasma Histidine levels compared to normal subjects.  ^[6]

 Phenylalanine (L-Phenylalanine form) may improve the condition of Fibromyalgia patients (according to anecdotal reports).  ^[7]

 Supplemental S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) (800 mg per day or more) may alleviate Fibromyalgia:  ^[8]

 Specific improvements in the symptoms of Fibromyalgia caused by SAMe therapy may include a significant reduction in the number of trigger points, reduction in Fatigue, reduction in morning stiffness and improvements in Mood.

 Fibromyalgia patients often exhibit significantly lower plasma Serine levels compared to normal subjects.  ^[9]

 Fibromyalgia patients often exhibit decreased Tryptophan transport mechanisms and usually exhibit significantly lowered Tryptophan levels (indicating that supplemental Tryptophan may be of benefit to Fibromyalgia patients).  ^[10]

Auxins

 Ascorbigen may alleviate the symptoms of Fibromyalgia.  ^[11]

 Preliminary reports indicate that Indole-3-Carbinol may alleviate some of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. 

Carbohydrates

 Hyaluronic Acid (consumed orally) is claimed to alleviate Fibromyalgia. 

 Ribose may improve the condition of Fibromyalgia patients.  ^[12]

Coenzymes

 NADH may alleviate some cases of Fibromyalgia.  ^[13]

Enzymes

 Nattokinase may alleviate Fibromyalgia.  ^[14]

Growth Factors

 Approximately 33% of Fibromyalgia patients exhibit low levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) - this may occur as a result of insufficient release of Human Growth Hormone):  ^[15]

Hormones

 DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) may alleviate many of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia.  ^[16]

 Supplemental, Human Growth Hormone (administered under professional guidance) may cause improvement in the condition of Fibromyalgia patients.  ^[17]

 Melatonin may help to correct the impairment of Slow Wave Sleep (deep Sleep) experienced by Fibromyalgia patients.  ^[18]

 Progesterone may alleviate some cases of Fibromyalgia (according to anecdotal reports).  ^[19]

 Relaxin may alleviate the symptoms of Fibromyalgia and Relaxin depletion is speculated to be an underlying cause of Fibromyalgia.  ^[20]

 One theory of the cause of Fibromyalgia states that it occurs as a result of a state of hypometabolism in the body’s Cells that can be corrected by supplementation with exogenous Triiodothyronine (T3) combined with regular Aerobic Exercise.  Clinical studies have demonstrated that 75 - 150 micrograms per day of exogenous Triiodothyronine may cure some cases of Fibromyalgia.  Part of the effectiveness of Triiodothyronine may occur from it lowering elevated levels of Substance P in Fibromyalgia patients.  ^[21]