Do fibromyalgia and lupus commonly occur together?
Yes, it's definitely possible to have both fibromyalgia and lupus, and you're not alone. About 22 percent of people with lupus also have fibromyalgia, making it a fairly common combination.
Several MyFibroTeam members share similar experiences:
- One member shared: "I Show Full Answer
Do fibromyalgia and lupus commonly occur together?
Yes, it's definitely possible to have both fibromyalgia and lupus, and you're not alone. About 22 percent of people with lupus also have fibromyalgia, making it a fairly common combination.
Several MyFibroTeam members share similar experiences:
- One member shared: "I have recently been diagnosed with systemic lupus, RA, and mixed connective tissue disorder"
- Another mentioned: "I have lupus and thyroid issues as well"
- A member wrote: "My lupus has been in remission for two years now, but I'm left with fibromyalgia"
Why the overlap?
Both conditions share some similarities - they affect women more frequently, can run in families, and cause overlapping symptoms like widespread pain, fatigue, headaches, and brain fog. Having lupus may increase your risk of developing fibromyalgia.
Important differences:
The conditions are managed differently because lupus is an autoimmune disease (where your immune system attacks healthy tissues), while fibromyalgia is considered a pain-processing disorder. This means your treatment plan will likely need to address both conditions separately.
If you're being treated but still don't feel well, talk to your doctor about making sure both conditions are being properly managed.
December 1, 2025