Fibromyalgia and Men

Fibromyalgia is often considered to be a disease that affects middle-aged women. While the majority of fibromyalgia sufferers are women in their 30s and 40s, fibromyalgia can affect men and women at any age. The problem with the common misconception about fibromyalgia affecting only women is that it can often take longer for men to get an accurate diagnosis. That can be particularly discouraging when research indicates that it takes an estimated five years for a fibromyalgia patient to get an accurate diagnosis. Estimates vary, but one in eight fibromyalgia patients are men.

Researchers aren’t sure of the causes of fibromyalgia, or how it affects women more often than men, but they do know that stress, having a family member with fibromyalgia or having a personal history of a rheumatic disease can all increase a person’s chances of developing fibromyalgia.

There are some differences in how fibromyalgia affects men. Often men experience more mild symptoms than women, though new research suggests that the symptoms may be just as intense but men may underreport symptoms. In general, men are less likely to experience IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, tender points, fatigue, or morning sickness.

Because men may wait longer to seek medical care, may take longer to get diagnosed, and may underreport their actual symptoms, men with fibromyalgia are often prescribed fewer medications and are less likely to ask for assistance.

Finding support may prove to be challenging for men as well. Often local in person support groups are made primarily of women and men may not feel comfortable in such spaces, though men are certainly welcome. Online support forums may be an excellent introduction into support group assistance and may carry less stigma for men.

The National Fibromyalgia Association makes these suggestions for men who are living with fibromyalgia:
• Do not attempt to push yourself beyond your present physical capacities. Accept and work within your present realm of abilities.
• Set immediate, realistic, and obtainable short-term goals which can be achieved on a daily basis.
• Throw out "old lessons" about expectations that one must meet in order to be of value. Write "new lessons" for your life.
• Realize that change does not necessarily produce negative results or consequences. Look for the gains which can be achieved by and through the changes.