The Thyroid-Fibromyalgia Connection

The thyroid is a small but incredibly influential gland located in the front of the neck. Those who are familiar with this powerful piece of anatomy know that it has a significant impact on numerous regions including the metabolism, brain, and weight regulation. Because of the thyroid’s broad influence, dysfunction of this system can result in the development or continuation of many serious conditions such as fibromyalgia.

Unfortunately, the relationship between the thyroid and fibromyalgia is frequently overlooked. 

I personally had hypothyroidism, or low thyroid, diagnosed many years before I developed fibromyalgia. In fact it was my thyroid doctor who diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. As I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis quite young I always suspected new symptoms were connected with it and went to check with my thyroid specialist. This time he examined me, did the blood tests, and then later reported that it was not my thyroid that was causing the new feelings of stiffness and increased fatigue but most likely fibromyalgia. 

I have both hashimoto thyroid and fibromyalgia, the thyoid condition was diagnosed first.

Thyroid dysfunction shares many similarities with a hypothalamic condition known as fibromyalgia. Those suffering from hypothyroidism, and to a lesser degree hyperthyroidism, frequently develop fibromyalgia or at the very least exhibit symptoms similar to it.

Is the HPA Axis the Missing Link?

The connection between thyroid disease and fibromyalgia is an important part of understanding both conditions.

Fibromyalgia is caused by dysfunction of the hypothalamus.

The hypothalamus exerts substantial influence over essential bodily functions including sleep, hormone balance, temperature, and autonomic nervous systems that regulate blood pressure, blood flow, and the transport of food through the gut.

As part of the HPA axis, the hypothalamus works together with the pituitary, adrenals, and the thyroid to regulate hormones throughout the body.

The components of the HPA are closely interrelated meaning that malfunction in one area can have a significant negative impact on the others.

Dr. J. Teitelbaum, MD, is an expert in chronic conditions, specifically chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. He believes that hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia are linked through the origin of the dysfunction.

The thyroid is highly influential over the hypothalamus and pituitary. Therefore, reduced thyroid activity can contribute to fibromyalgia-like symptoms and may increase the risk of developing the condition itself.

Many symptoms are shared between hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia including fatigue, exhaustion, depression, brain fog, and a variable severity of muscle and joint pain.

Regardless if thyroid malfunction is a co-factor of fibromyalgia, a prominent component of its symptoms is reduced thyroid function.

When thyroid disease is left untreated, already reduced tissue levels of thyroid hormone can continue to decrease resulting in greater symptom severity.

Thyroid hormone, specifically T3, is an essential part of maintaining cellular energy level and activity. Inhibited levels of thyroid hormone contribute to reduced mitochondrial energy levels resulting in poor cellular activity.

Both the hypothalamus and pituitary are particularly sensitive to cellular fatigue.

As cellular energy levels decrease, the risk of developing fibromyalgia increases. Therefore, it is important to assess properly assess the thyroid and provide treatment as necessary if a patient is suffering from fibromyalgia.

Supporting the Thyroid to Resolve Fibromyalgia

The link between hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia is strong. Therefore, if you are a thyroid patient experiencing symptoms of fibromyalgia it is quite possible that your thyroid is malfunctioning or is not being treated effectively.

Dr. John Lowe, one of the leading practitioners in the field of fibromyalgia research, found that the chronic symptoms associated with hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia were partially or entirely due to lack of or under treatment of the thyroid.

If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia but have not had your thyroid assessed or treated, speak with your doctor about testing and optimizing your thyroid.

READ FULL ARTICLE

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES.

Want to learn more about the thyroid Fibromyalgia connection, or do more medical research into the topic? Here are some additional resources: 

Fibromyalgia in patients with thyroid autoimmunity: prevalence and relationship with disease activity. 2017 PUBMed article 

Over 25 Fibromyalgia Facts

These are random Fibro facts that I have collected over the years and shared on my twitter account. 

I thought it would be good to put them altogether in one place

• Fibromyalgia is a disorder with widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and sleep and memory disturbance.

• Fibromyalgia (FM) is a medical condition characterised by chronic widespread pain and a heightened pain response to pressure.

• Fibromyalgia can cause significant pain and fatigue, and interfere with a person’s ability to carry on daily activities.

• The word fibromyalgia comes from the Latin term for fibrous tissue (fibro) and the Greek ones for muscle (myo) and pain (algia).

• Although fibromyalgia is often considered an arthritis-related condition, it is not truly a form of arthritis (a disease of the joints) because it does not cause inflammation or damage to the joints.

• Symptoms of Fibromyalgia most usually arrive between the ages of 35 and 45.

• Diagnosis of fibromyalgia use to be made on specific tender points in certain areas of your body. Now diagnosis is: widespread pain lasting three months, fatigue and/or waking up feeling unrefreshed, problems with thought processes like memory and understanding.

• Neurological symptoms of fibromyalgia include: dysfunctions of muscles, ligaments and joints; numbness, tingling; muscle twitching, muscle cramps, muscle weakness; headaches, generalised weakness, dizziness, and sensory overload.

• People with Fibromyalgia can be hypersensitive to external stimuli such as smells, lights and sounds.

• Fibro Fighters often suffer from abnormalities in reaching deep sleep.

• Fibromyalgia symptoms may change throughout the day while - for many 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. tends to be when they feel the best.

• Arthritis Research UK suggests that as many as one in every 25 people suffer from the condition in the UK!

• Fibromyalgia is a long-term (chronic) condition that can cause widespread pain and tenderness over much of the body. It's quite common – up to 1 person in every 25 may be affected. Arthritis Research UK.

• Fibromyalgia affects about 2 percent of people in the US by age 20, which increases to approximately 8 percent of people by age 70.

• Cognitive Fibromyalgia symptoms include: impaired concentration, short-­term memory problems, inability to multi-­task, slow mental performance, easily distracted, feeling overwhelmed, difficulty finding words.

• Disrupted sleep, insomnia, and poor quality sleep occur frequently in FM, and may contribute to pain by decreased release of IGF-1 and human growth hormone, leading to decreased tissue repair.

• Three medications are FDA-approved to treat fibromyalgia: Cymbalta (duloxetine) Lyrica (pregabalin) Savella (milnacipran)

• Non-celiac gluten sensitivity may be an underlying cause of fibromyalgia symptoms but further research is needed. A 2015 review revealed potential benefit of specific dietary interventions in FM

• Stiffness is part of Fibromyalgia - when we wake up or after sitting for long periods of time.

• The sensations of pain experienced by patients with fibromyalgia are thought to result from multiple levels in the central nervous system. (CNS) The CNS is part of the nervous system and consists of the brain and the spinal cord.

• Fibromyalgia should be considered as a diagnostic possibility in all cases of persistent, significant musculoskeletal pain, fatigue or sleep disturbance, particularly when such symptoms seem out of proportion to the severity of any background chronic illness. Guymer & Littlejohn

• It is estimated that about 10 million Americans have Fibromyalgia.

• Research has shown that people with Fibromyalgia who participated in gentle yoga classes experienced improved mood, less pain and fatigue.

• Fibromyalgia can be difficult to treat. Not all doctors are familiar with fibromyalgia and its treatment, so it is important to find a doctor who is.