For women in their 40s, life often feels like a balancing act—managing family, career, and personal well-being. When this delicate balance is disrupted by widespread pain, debilitating fatigue, and a mental fog that makes every task a struggle, the frustration can be immense. If this sounds familiar, you may be one of the millions of people living with fibromyalgia. It’s a complex condition that has long been misunderstood, but with a deeper understanding and a personalized, holistic approach, there is a path to relief.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that is characterized by a group of symptoms happening together. Patients with fibromyalgia often complain of aches and pains all over the body, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. Fibromyalgia is often compared to arthritis. But, unlike arthritis, fibromyalgia does not cause redness, swelling, or damage to the joints. It may affect up to four million American adults. Also, a diagnosis of fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men. Researchers believe it’s a state of “central sensitization,” where the brain and spinal cord become hypersensitive to pain and other sensations. This means that a gentle touch or a minor strain can feel intensely painful.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is still a subject of ongoing research, but it’s believed to be triggered by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. You may be more susceptible if you have a family history of the condition. Many people can trace their symptoms back to a traumatic event, such as a physical injury, surgery, or a period of intense emotional stress. Some research even suggests that certain infections, like Epstein-Barr virus, may act as a trigger in genetically predisposed individuals.
For the purpose of medical records and a clear diagnosis, your doctor may use a specific code. The official code for fibromyalgia is ICD 10 fibromyalgia (M79.7). You might see this on your medical charts as icd 10 for fibromyalgia, and it serves as a standardized way for healthcare professionals to classify the condition.
The Wide-Ranging Symptoms and Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is not a one-size-fits-all condition. The symptoms are often varied and fluctuate in intensity, which can make it a challenge to diagnose and manage. The primary symptom is a widespread, dull ache that has been present for at least three months, affecting both sides of your body and both above and below your waist. The pain may also be centered in the muscles that get regular exercise or use, such as the back and legs. Pain may be throbbing or burning, or may feel like a deep muscle ache. A common sign is that the pain is often worse first thing in the morning. In addition to this pain, women with fibromyalgia often experience:
Profound Fatigue: This is more than just feeling tired. It’s an overwhelming exhaustion that isn’t relieved by rest, often described as a bone-deep weariness.
Fibro Fog: A term used to describe the cognitive dysfunction that includes memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and a general feeling of mental confusion. This can significantly impact your work and home life.
Sleep Disturbances: Many people with fibromyalgia have trouble falling and staying asleep. They often wake up feeling unrefreshed, as if they haven’t slept at all.
Co-occurring Conditions: It’s very common for fibromyalgia to appear alongside other conditions like migraines, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or restless legs syndrome.
Other symptoms may include:
- Moodiness
- Muscle cramp
- Headaches
- Painful menstrual periods
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Restless legs syndrome
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Sensitivity to noise
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Depression
- Anxiety
Fibromyalgia Trigger Points and Tender Points
In the past, the diagnosis of fibromyalgia relied on a physical exam that checked for pain in 18 specific “tender points” on the body. While modern diagnostic criteria are more comprehensive, a physical exam is still a critical part of the process. Our approach at Renew Integrative Health involves a thorough assessment that includes a detailed conversation about your symptoms, a review of your medical history, and, if needed, specific lab work to rule out other conditions.
Fibromyalgia and Hormonal Health: A Special Consideration for Women in their 40s
If you are a woman in your 40s, it’s no coincidence that many of your fibromyalgia symptoms may feel heightened or become more unpredictable. This is often the time when perimenopause begins, a transitional period leading up to menopause. During this time, your hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, begin to fluctuate dramatically.
Hormones play a crucial role in pain perception. Estrogen, in particular, has a direct impact on the nervous system and can influence a woman’s sensitivity to pain. When estrogen levels drop or become erratic during perimenopause and menopause, it can trigger or worsen fibromyalgia symptoms like pain, fatigue, headaches, and sleep disturbances.
At Renew Integrative Health, we recognize this critical connection. Unlike conventional doctors who may not specialize in hormonal health, Andrea Dean, CRNP, is a certified anti-aging and functional medicine practitioner. Her expertise allows her to assess your hormonal balance and incorporate targeted therapies, such as bioidentical hormone replacement or specific supplements, as part of your fibromyalgia treatment plan. Addressing this often-overlooked factor can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being.
Navigating a Fibromyalgia Flare-Up
A fibromyalgia flare-up is a period when your symptoms suddenly worsen, and it can be a debilitating experience. The key to managing flares is to identify your personal triggers. Common triggers include:
- Emotional or Physical Stress: A stressful event or pushing your body too hard can overwhelm your nervous system and intensify your symptoms.
- Lack of Sleep: A few nights of poor sleep can quickly lead to a spiral of increased pain and fatigue.
- Dietary Changes: Certain foods, or a lack of proper nutrition, can contribute to systemic inflammation and trigger a flare.
- Changes in Weather: Many people report increased pain with cold, damp weather or changes in barometric pressure.
Learning to recognize these triggers and having a plan in place is essential. At Renew Integrative Health, we work with you to develop personalized strategies for preventing and managing flare-ups. This includes everything from stress-reducing practices like mindfulness and deep breathing to gentle exercise and targeted nutritional support.
Fibromyalgia Treatments
Advanced Therapies
While there is no single cure for fibromyalgia, a holistic and integrative approach can be incredibly effective at managing your symptoms and restoring your quality of life. We offer several potential treatments right here in Newark, Delaware for Fibromyalgia including
Schedule a consultation here to see which service might work for you.
Tips for at-home relief from Fibromyalgia
- Get 8 hours of sleep each night.
- Abstain from caffeine, alcohol, or eating spicy meals before bedtime
- Listen to relaxing music
- Take a warm bath
- Reducing stress
- Meditation
- Massage
- Exercise
- Physical therapy
- Myofascial release therapy
- Acupuncture
- Relaxation exercises
- Tai chi
- Yoga
Finding a Fibromyalgia Specialist: Your Local Resource in Newark, DE
When you are searching for fibromyalgia doctors near you in the Newark, DE, area, you have options. While rheumatologists and neurologists are often a first stop, they may primarily focus on medication management. For a woman in her 40s seeking a more personalized, root-cause approach, an experienced functional medicine practitioner is an ideal choice.
This is where Andrea Dean, CRNP, and Renew Integrative Health come in. With her advanced training in functional and anti-aging medicine, Andrea brings a unique skill set to the table. She understands the intricate connections between your hormones, nutrition, gut health, and chronic pain. By taking the time to listen to your full story and run in-depth diagnostic tests, she can uncover imbalances that other doctors might miss. She is dedicated to a patient-centered model, ensuring your voice is heard and your treatment plan is a true collaboration.
To learn more about fibromyalgia and connect with research organizations, we encourage you to visit the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA), a leading patient advocacy group, or the American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association (AFSA), which is dedicated to funding cutting-edge research.
Fibromyalgia Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is fibromyalgia an autoimmune disease?
No, fibromyalgia is not considered an autoimmune disease. While it shares some symptoms with autoimmune conditions like lupus, it does not involve the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues. Fibromyalgia is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects how your brain processes pain.
Is fibromyalgia a disability?
For many people, yes, fibromyalgia can be considered a disability. If your symptoms are severe and persistent enough to interfere with your ability to work or perform daily tasks, you may be eligible for disability benefits. The key is to have a formal diagnosis and a well-documented medical history showing the condition’s impact on your life.
What is the best painkiller for fibromyalgia?
There is no single “best” painkiller for fibromyalgia. In fact, standard over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are often not effective for the specific type of pain experienced with this condition. The most successful approach typically involves a multi-faceted plan that may include a combination of certain nerve pain medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. At Renew Integrative Health, our focus is not on masking pain with a single pill, but rather on addressing the underlying imbalances to reduce your overall pain and improve your body’s natural ability to manage it.
What kind of doctor treats fibromyalgia?
While many patients begin their journey with a primary care physician, a specialist is often needed for a comprehensive treatment plan. Rheumatologists and neurologists are frequently consulted, but for women seeking a personalized, root-cause approach, an experienced functional medicine practitioner like Andrea Dean, CRNP at Renew Integrative Health is an ideal choice. She is uniquely equipped to address the complex interplay of factors that contribute to fibromyalgia, including hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and chronic stress.
