How Genetics and Epigenetics Affect Fibromyalgia

In a recent article, on this blog, in 2025, I highlighted the emerging insights into possible causes and contributing factors of fibromyalgia. Number 8 was Genetic and Epigenetic Factors. I felt that this needed some more explanation, so here it is. 

In simple terms, genetics is the recipe for your body, and epigenetics is how that recipe gets tweaked by your lifestyle or surroundings. So epigenetics is the part you can have some control over.

Genetic Factors: These are traits you inherit from your parents through your genes, which are like instructions in your DNA. They determine things like your eye color, height, or risk for certain diseases. Think of genes as a blueprint that makes you who you are.

Epigenetic Factors: These are changes in how your genes work, but not in the DNA itself. It's like flipping a switch to turn genes "on" or "off" without changing the blueprint. Things like diet, stress, or environment (e.g., smoking, exercise) can influence epigenetics, affecting how your body uses those genetic instructions.

So our genes play a role in whether we may get fibromyalgia or not, especially in the serotoninergic and catecholaminergic systems.

Here's a simple explanation of the serotoninergic and catecholaminergic systems:

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Serotoninergic System

• This system involves the brain chemical serotonin.

• Serotonin helps regulate:

  • Mood (it’s sometimes called the “feel-good” chemical)

  • Sleep

  • Appetite

  • Pain perception

Think of serotonin as a calming, balancing chemical that helps you feel stable and content. In fibromyalgia, low levels of serotonin may make you more sensitive to pain and more likely to feel tired or anxious.

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Catecholaminergic System

• This system involves chemicals called catecholamines, mainly:

  • Dopamine

  • Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)

  • Epinephrine (adrenaline)

These chemicals help control:

• Alertness and energy

• Mood

• Response to stress

• Attention and focus

They are like your brain’s “go” signals — helping you feel awake, motivated, and able to handle stress. In fibromyalgia, problems in this system may contribute to:

• Fatigue

• Brain fog

• Mood swings

• Heightened pain response

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Why This Matters in Fibromyalgia

Both of these systems help regulate how your brain and body handle pain, stress, and energy. If they aren’t working properly, it can lead to:

• Feeling more pain from things that shouldn’t hurt

• Trouble sleeping

• Feeling drained or foggy

• Mood problems like anxiety or depression

Researchers think that imbalances in these systems may be part of why people develop fibromyalgia.

If you have specific symptoms or concerns, a healthcare provider can offer personalized guidance, including tests or treatments if needed.

Get my COMPLETE GUIDE TO BOOST YOUR BRAIN:A GUIDE FOR FIBROMYALGIA RELIEF for free on the blog. (Coming in the next few days.)