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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

This question is for all the ladies out there going through menopause. How do we distinguish fibro from menopause?

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Vancouver, BC

Many fibro symptoms are similar to menopause symptoms. I thought I was done with menopause. Then came off meds for a while and the hot flushes and sweats returned. I'm concerned that our meds are postponing menopause or messing with the process. My Mum believes that when menopause is over I will feel better. I also heard from a friend that she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and after menopause all her symptoms went away . Has anyone experienced this ?

March 3, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members explored the complex overlap between fibromyalgia and menopause symptoms, with many sharing that while hot flashes and sweats are more... Read more

Members explored the complex overlap between fibromyalgia and menopause symptoms, with many sharing that while hot flashes and sweats are more clearly tied to menopause, fibro pain often worsened during this transition and unfortunately persisted or intensified afterward for most. Several members described practical discoveries, including that certain medications like Amitriptyline can trigger or worsen hot flashes, that hormones in red meat and high-fat dairy may increase menopausal symptoms, and that some found relief through hormone replacement therapy while others managed without it using fans, clothing changes, prayer, and meditation. A recurring theme was the hope that menopause might bring relief from fibro symptoms, but the lived reality for many was that fibromyalgia either began with menopause or continued long after it ended, leaving members to navigate both conditions with patience, self-advocacy, and shared understanding.

A MyFibroTeam Member

I have been dealing with FM since I was young. And now it is worse with the menopause. The only thing that is different is the sweats.

March 3, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I've never taken any hrt Meds for menopause. I did learn though that some red meat and chicken have hormones injected into them and it increases menopause symptoms such as hot flashes. I rarely eat red meat anymore. Also some dairy products are bad for menopause symptoms. The hormones are given to the animals to increase their growth as well as steroids.
I've also noticed that my pain has increased since going on heart Meds. Don't know if that has any relation to the menopause thing or not.
But with not taking any menopause type Meds I don't seem to have as much trouble with hot flashes etc as I've heard my friends did.

March 3, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Menopause symptoms also include depression, itching, aches and pains. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be done with menopause and be pain free I'm hopeful. I did ask my Dr about this but he didn't have an answer . Somtimes I find more answers here than from my Doc ☺

March 3, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

@A MyFibroTeam Member
I have gone thru menopause, which lasted about 12 years after a complete hysterectomy. All labs showed me in menopause until this past fall and if finally showed post menopausal. Unfortunately, (and I really hate to burst ur bubble) for me...my symptoms of FM started during menopause and have gotten worse. I also read where women who have gone thru menopause are at a higher risk for FM. Hope you feel better!

March 3, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Excellent question.It's so hard to distinguish between what is causing our hot flashes and sweats.

March 3, 2016

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