What Is The Relationship Between Fibromyalgia And Hypothyroidism?
Research has recently brought to light that Fibromyalgia and Hypothyroidism
are frequently interrelated. If you’ve been diagnosed with one or the
other, it’s to your benefit to investigate the possibility you’ve
developed both Fibromyalgia and Thyroid issues. However, without correct information, it’s easy to get confused, as the line between the conditions is blurred.
It is interesting to note that until further research is available,
rheumatologists, a significant group of medical professionals treating
these conditions, are abstaining. Their reasoning: Fibromyalgia remains a
mystery disease lacking a definitive medical cause.
Therefore, the following information is solely for your use and I would suggest discussing the topics discussed here with your
physician.
The association between Fibromyalgia and Thyroid Disease
For decades, Fibromyalgia faced a “credibility issue” because doctors
believed the total body pain, flu-like symptoms, chronic fatigue,
cognitive dysfunction, etc. had no medical point of origin. Rather than making a definitive diagnosis, physicians ordered
multiple tests in order to establish a “diagnosis of exclusion”.
Although the root cause of fibro remains unknown, a majority of the
medical profession continues to associate it with “inadequate thyroid
hormone regulation”. Their contention: Fibromyalgia is a consequence of
inadequate hormones produced by the Thyroid or Hypothyroidism, in that all fibro symptoms result from thyroid irregularities.
It’s
noteworthy that even when Fibromyalgia was “all in our head”, the main
medical test the doctor ordered was for Hypothyroidism!
The Symptom Dilemma
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia and Hypothyroidism symptoms mirror each other and create a diagnostic dilemma.
Here are several commonalities:
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What part does the Hypothalmus Gland play in Fibromyalgia and Thyroid Disease?
Dr. Teitelbaum, who authored “Living Well with Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome and Fibromyalgia” hypothesized the hypothalamus gland is the
root cause of Fibromyalgia and Thyroid Disease.
A dysfunctional hypothalamus gland manifests: weight gain, sleep
interruption, compromised immune system causing recurring infections,
lowered temperature (feeling cold) and more. Do these symptoms sound
familiar?
Factors that Contribute to Flare-ups of Fibromyalgia and Hypothyroidism
Deceleration of our metabolism contributes to flare-ups of both
conditions. Several contributors to slower metabolism include:
imbalanced hormones, erratic blood glucose, minimal exercise, allergies
and prescription drug side-effects.
Similar Treatment Options
For the moment, Fibromyalgia and Hypothyroidism
are termed metabolic conditions. With new research surfacing daily this
is subject to change. One group of researchers is already considering Fibromyalgia and Thyroid
issues as Autoimmune Diseases. Until the relationship between the
conditions is better defined, we’re left with similar treatment options.
Lifestyle changes, such as ramping-up our exercise on good days,
finding a nutritious diet that works and considering alternative
therapies, such as herbal supplements, acupressure, meditation
and aquatic therapy are great self-care options.
Bottom-Line
With the upheaval in medical care, due to PPO and HMO restrictions,
we can no longer expect a lengthy doctor visit. It’s a good idea to
maximize your appointment time by taking a list of concerns to each
visit. Keep a running list of your symptoms so you can give your doctor a full picture of how you feel.
A relationship between Fibromyalgia and Thyroid
issues has been established, but this doesn’t mean our doctor will
automatically rule-out the probable development of fibro as a result of
existing Hypothyroidism.