Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue in Perimenopause

An Invisible Epidemic

There seems to be a correlation between perimenopause and fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. But more and more women in midlife are suffering from a similar conglamoration of symptoms that have been called Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue. Symptoms such as achy joints, feeling flu-like, a profound exhaustion, brain fog, and many more plague many women going through perimenopause.

One of the mysteries about these conditions is the fact that those suffering from it often look to be in the peak of health, but feel like they are dying inside, which causes partners, friends, and even doctors, to treat these patients as hypochondriacs. Unfortunately, too few doctors recognize these illnesses as valid conditions. This is why it is vital to find a good rheumatologist or other healthcare provider who understands to diagnose you ... and just as important to connect with a network on- or off-line to help you find answers and acceptance.

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue are massive subjects unto themselves. There are many wonderful sites around that can provide support and suggestions on finding a good doctor to diagnose and treat these conditions. See the Other Resources page for more information.

A Personal Experience

"I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few years ago, but truly, I have come to believe that my symptoms are really perimenopausal. They ebb and flow according to where I am in my cycle. I read a lot of books about fibromyalgia, but only one made a real difference. The best book I ever read about fibromyalgia was "Simple Relief Through Movement," by Stacie Bigelow. In that book, I learned a crucial fact that greatly improved my conditions: fibromyalgia and perimenopause both provoke symptoms that make you want to "lay it down." But that is absolutely the WORST thing you can do. Get up. Get moving. I don't mean exercising, necessarily, I mean just walking around the house. In the thick of it, I would sleep for hours during the day. Take the elevator. Feel so fragile that I was afraid to carry or lift groceries.

"Of course, you must take your doctor's advice on this, but when I forced myself to get out of bed, even when I was exhausted ... when I carried my own groceries ... walked the treadmill, even for five minutes ... I began to feel better, stronger. See my free article, Stretch for Relief, for two easy stretches that will really help you feel better.

"The fact is, all that laying around only made me more exhausted. And moving around took more effort, but made me feel better over time.

"I know my limits. But my condition has improved so much by just following that suggestion. I'm not perfect at it. But I try to overcome my inertia by remembering that moving is improving."

Other Resources