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Fibromyalgia and Female Hormonal Imbalance

Fibromyalgia and Female Hormonal Imbalance

If all of the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia aren't enough of a physical challenge, many females (remember that approximately 90% of those affected are female) have the added burden of having severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.

The physical symptoms of PMS include:

  1. Abdominal bloating
  2. Backache
  3. Breast tenderness
  4. Constipation
  5. Diarrhea
  6. Dizziness
  7. Fatigue
  8. Headache
  9. Nausea
  10. Swelling of hands/feet.

There are emotional symptoms which include:

  1. Anger
  2. Anxiety/depression
  3. Irritability and nervousness

These physical and emotional symptoms can then produce behavioral symptoms such as:

  1. Clumsiness
  2. Appetite changes, either increased or decreased
  3. Changes in libido (sexual desire)
  4. Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating
  5. Sleep disturbances
  6. Tearfulness
  7. A desire to be alone.

The symptoms of PMS typically occur from 5 to 11 days prior to the onset of the menstrual period. Many of these same females have dysmenorrhea which is the name used when menses is accompanied by severe debilitating pain. It is felt that many of the symptoms of PMS and much of the excessive menstrual pain is caused by female hormonal imbalance involving estrogen and progesterone. Achieving hormonal balance by the use of natural products is the goal of many with PMS and dysmenorrhea. There is also a recognized role for supplementation with calcium, magnesium, manganese and vitamins E and B-6.

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