Deeper Look into Why Fibromyalgia Develops Mainly in Women

Fibromyalgia is a type of disorder in which the patient experiences chronic and intense pain - musculoskeletal pain, insomnia, mood swings, memory issues and bone-crushing fatigue. Researchers believe that this ailment affects the way in which the brain processes pain signals, amplifying the chronic and painful sensations. Symptoms typically begin after surgery, significant psychological stress, infections, and physical trauma.

Fibromyalgia as well as autoimmune diseases such as lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis affect women more than men. Research reveals that out of 50 million people living with this condition, about 80% are actually women. Results of a research done by Yunus MB also indicate that the ailment occurs mostly in females. [1]

So, why does fibromyalgia occur mostly in women? Factors such as hormone levels, gene expression, and even just how stress is handled, can play a role as to why a high percentage of women have this disease. 

Is fibromyalgia a type of autoimmune disease?

Many people think that fibromyalgia is a type of autoimmune syndrome. However, this is false.  There is no evidence to prove that fibromyalgia is an example of an autoimmune disease. It is usually considered to be a syndrome rather than an ailment. This is simply because it lacks a particular, definable etiology. Other types of conditions considered a syndrome include myofascial pain, some migraine conditions, restless legs syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome. Since more research on these ailments is being done, the placements of these ailments may change.

Fibromyalgia is known to co-exist with different types of autoimmune diseases.  This is actually the main reason why people think it is an example of autoimmune disease. Besides having flares, it also reacts with other factors associated with autoimmune conditions such as insulin levels, stress, and gut health.

Medical experts predict that fibromyalgia may be classified as a type of autoimmune condition. In fact, some of them have classified (informally) the ailment as an autoimmune disorder. [2] Sometime back, the ailment was placed under a rheumatological condition. But, it is now classified as a central nervous disorder.

One of the contingent experts revealed that the classification is not that important. He continued to say that knowing what causes the condition and what makes it less severe is the most important thing right now. He went on to say that the fibromyalgia has features that are similar to those of autoimmune diseases, and it should be treated like an autoimmune ailment for now.

The difference between gene expression and genetics

The study of genes and gene expression can help us understand the relationship between fibromyalgia and gender. The hormones of the body have the capability of informing and instructing genes when and how to act. Some genes are like switches, which means that they can turn on and off, and other genes are static. Gene expression resembles the switching process, and it offers hope for a future that is healthy.

Epigenetics is actually a study that deals with external factors that tend to have an impact on gene expression. Factors like beliefs, nutrition, and relationships have a lasting and a profound effect on the risk of an individual suffering from fibromyalgia. These factors also tend to affect the ability of someone to recover from chronic health problems.