Fibromyalgia

[Holygod]

Hi as any ever suffered with low testosterone with fibromyalgia

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee]

Due to the large population spread with fibro there will be overlap with someone that has this but I think you are asking is it directly relatable to fibro. And I would say not but some people have had overall health improvement when they have hormone issues and have them addressed.

[Holygod in reply to desquinn]

No I'm not saying it's a cause of fibromyalgia but is there a link I've done some research and found that with some research conducted there is

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to Holygod]

did no believe you were talking about cause but at present IMO it is the same as vitamins. If you have in imbalance then it can play into your fibro symptoms but if you are okay in that respect then you are taking supplements that will result in expensive pee.

[does-the-NHS-work]

This is an interesting question.

As little evidence is available to understand fibromyalgia symptoms, my feeling the jury is still out. Possibly testosterone may be associated with fibromyalgia.

What is a census of opinion and has been discussed by professional at length is whether or not testosterone therapy could help depression in men, and this has been a question for several years.

Testosterone is a neuroactive steroid that can influence mood as us men, like me we experience sex drive and the changes in our behaviour. Testosterone therapy boosts production of serotonin, the happy chemical that is needed in your brain. You may have done a test for low testosterone if you now no it is low then this may be the association on your physical body.

The one link that is not widely promoted is the link between mental and physical health, There is a strong medical association between mental health (mood) or psychological health and unidentified pain and this is a huge part of fibromyalgia physical symptoms. yet very little discussion on the topic.

That said the first line drugs prescribed for fibro are antidepressant's designed to improve mood, our group most definitely experience heightened anxiety as we have symptoms that create fear in our minds due to our symptoms. In my experience of the condition improving your mood does help symptoms.

All drugs have side effects and sex drive is one of the main known side effects, low testosterone may be the catalyst, again this can be individual.

I hope this may give you some food for thought, if not directly find a yes/no reply to your question.

For me understanding this condition and looking at my symptoms has helped considerably, we may never be rid of this condition but our recovery to a more meaningful life has to start with an understanding and acceptance.

Good question.

[Loobielu]

Hi Holygod, excellent question. I have low testosterone but I'm a menopausal woman so you might be more interested in male answers! It does appear easier for men to get testosterone prescribed than women and hey anything is worth a go I suppose, all the best with it

[Harpo33]

I am male and have fibromyalgia and low testosterone. I'm not sure if it's connected to the fibromyalgia though.

[Nicki66]

I have also queried this in my head, and with the GP. My Fibromyalgia started following surgery to remove both ovaries, which not only control female hormones, but as I understand it, testosterone as well. Considering I already had low hormone levels before the op, my thought was if the forced absence of all hormones, made me susceptible to Fibromyalgia, especially as the first symptom was a general all over weakness that you could relate to a lack of testosterone? My GP insists that my symptoms are far greater and more severe to those you could attribute to menopause, ( her words, not mine….well aware Menopause is no joke ) but I also read an interesting article about a study in the States that claimed a high percentage of their Fibromyalgia patients had undergone surgery to remove their ovaries, a thought that I felt would have been useful to know before agreeing to the surgery. Anyway, IMO, yes a thought that Testosterone could be at play, whether you are a male or female sufferer.