Suffering

[hampson]

I thought symptoms were due to menopause but read up and all seem to be related to fibromyalgia. Seeing gp later. Anyone else going through menopause with similar symtoms?

[phlebo123]

Hello hampson,

I went through the menopause when I was 45 and that is exactly when my fibromyalgia kicked off big-time!! I was diagnosed with IBS age 18, and had suffered extremely painful periods all my life (apparently IBS and painful periods are symptoms of fibromyalgia. At this point I was unaware of this!)

At menopause I started getting many more symptoms, and after two years of tests (laparoscopy, barium meals, etc) I finally got a fibromyalgia diagnosis from a rheumatologist.

There is lots of useful information on the fmauk.org website (list of symptoms, treatments, support groups, helpline).

May I suggest that when you are your gp later that you write a list of your symptoms to show him. Hope your appointment goes well and let us know how you get on.

If you have any questions about anything, then there is usually someone on this site who can help! So feel free to ask! Take care x

[YASMINTINA FMA UK Volunteer]

healthunlocked.com/fibromya.... Hello there, phlebo123 has written a really helpful reply, yes differently write down some issues you have been experiencing , I find this very helpful when I’ve been, I too had an early change at 44, looking back now I was differently suffering with painful periods in my late thirties more than I should have, we try and sail through life until we get some answers/diagnosis and health problems become too much, they will want to know how long your symptoms have been going on , that’s was one of the 1st questions I got asked, let us know how you get on xx

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Unfortunately they're is a major overlap in fibromyalgia and menopause symptoms. I've had fibro 26 years, so symptoms started well before menopause kicked in.

[Sailingtrio]

Hi, yes, there was confusion for me... luckily my GP is amazing and supported me figuring out the symptoms..in the end with the increasing pain it became evident it was Fibro. That was agreed then by the rheumatologist. It was quite a long journey though. Hope you are getting support as well?

Take care.

[Cardmaker60]

Hi there, I started off with being diagnosed with under active thyroid, then menopause, then with me pestering to be referred to a rheumatologist (as there wasn’t a neurologist on staff) to finally get the fibromyalgia diagnosis. I was almost relieved. It seems you have to keep on at gps to keep trying to get the right diagnosis. Good luck and don’t give up until you are happy.