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Fibromyalgia isn’t a joint disease like arthritis, but it can cause joint-related symptoms. Most, and possibly all, fibromyalgia cases involve symptoms of the soft tissues, including the muscles and connective tissues (such as the tendons, ligaments, and fascia).

Symptoms may include:

Extremely painful periods
Pelvic pain
Chronic pain of the vulva (vulvodynia)
Premature menopause (premature ovarian failure)

While the loss of sex drive, impotence, and erectile dysfunction are also common in people with fibromyalgia, they are believed to be linked to depression and anxiety rather than the disorder itself.

When to See a Doctor:

Fibromyalgia is such a perplexing disorder that it is often difficult to know when to seek care or even how to explain how you’re feeling to your doctor. Start by reminding yourself that whatever you’re going through is real. That fact that it may not make any sense is of little consequence.

In that end, do not hesitate to see a doctor if you are experiencing some or all of the following symptoms.

You have chronic, severe, or recurrent pain that is interfering with your daily life.
The pain is causing you emotional stress, anxiety, or depression.
You are chronically fatigued and/or having unrefreshing sleep.
You are unable to concentrate or think clearly.
If you have accompanying symptoms that worry you.

When seeing your doctor, it is important not to leave out any details or focus on just the “big” symptoms, which can lead him or her in the wrong direction. Give a complete picture, whether the details you’re sharing seem significant or not.

If your doctor doesn’t understand enough about fibromyalgia, make an appointment to see a specialist known as a rheumatologist who specializes in musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases and conditions. You can find a board-certified specialist in your area through the online locator managed by the American College of Rheumatology.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms