[Health Tip] The Hidden Challenge for Menopausal Women, Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Housewife Ms. Lee (55) recently experienced symptoms of severe body aches and pains, as if she had the flu. She also suffered from extreme fatigue and muscle stiffness. She initially dismissed it as a result of menopause and the climacteric period, but the symptoms gradually worsened. Her arms and hands became numb, and despite undergoing wrist nerve tests and arthritis examinations, no abnormalities were found. Eventually, she was diagnosed with 'fibromyalgia syndrome.'

Menopause stock photo.

Fibromyalgia syndrome can occur at any age but is more common in women than in men. It causes pain across the spine and limbs, both left and right, upper and lower. In addition to pain, symptoms include fatigue, sleep disturbances, feeling unrefreshed upon waking, memory and concentration impairments.

Other common symptoms include cold and numb limbs, swelling of hands and feet, various types of headaches such as migraines and tension headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome. Joint stiffness and severe pain typically occur in the morning, resembling the morning stiffness seen in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

The exact cause of fibromyalgia syndrome is not yet known, but genetic factors, trauma, chronic infectious diseases such as hepatitis C, psychological stress, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus are suspected.

Dr. Kwon Yong-jin, Chief Rheumatologist at MizMedi Hospital, stated, "To diagnose fibromyalgia syndrome, blood tests and pain assessments are conducted to differentiate it from diseases with similar symptoms such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjogren's syndrome." He emphasized, "Since many fibromyalgia patients may develop depression as symptoms worsen, it is important to undergo prompt testing and receive appropriate treatment."

Kwon Yong-jin, Chief of Rheumatology at Mizmedi Hospital.
[Photo by Mizmedi Hospital]

Dr. Kwon further explained, "Treatment for fibromyalgia syndrome depends on the symptoms and includes medication and exercise therapy. Medication involves drugs that increase serotonin and norepinephrine, which are types of antidepressants, as well as drugs that reduce pain-transmitting substances in the cerebrospinal fluid." He added, "Exercise therapies such as stretching, posture correction, massage, and yoga help relax muscles, and it is important to also treat accompanying mental symptoms like depression and anxiety."