Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic painful condition, formerly called fibrositis, which affects mainly women. FM is characterized by muscle aches, stiffness and localized tender points, which can result in chronic insomnia, anxiety, depression, headaches, numbness, extreme fatigue and digestive problems. Pain can be so severe that it is often incapacitating; yet pathophysiologic or laboratory reports may not show any abnormalities. FM resembles Chronic Fatigue Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (CFIDS), and FM occurs more frequently in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Fortunately, lifestyle and environmental changes, sometimes coupled with appropriate medications, can relieve symptoms or even make them disappear. Medications such as antidepressants and muscle relaxants are often used to treat FM. Pregabalin (Lyrica) and Milnacipran (Savella) are FDA-approved for the management of fibromyalgia, but are not effective in all patients, so there is continuous research to find other therapies. Gabapentin is a medication that is similar to pregabalin and has been shown to relieve FM pain.
Here's how our compounding pharmacy can help patients with Fibromyalgia:
1. Thyroid Hormone (T3): There is significant overlap between the symptoms of fibromyalgia and hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone production). Physicians and researchers at the Stanford Systems Neuroscience and Pain Lab are currently investigating whether T3 may alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
2. Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN): Also, at Stanford University, a single-blind, crossover trial showed that LDN produced a significant reduction in fibromyalgia symptoms. In addition, pain thresholds were improved by LDN. Side effects (including insomnia and vivid dreams) were rare and transient. At higher doses (50mg - 100mg), naltrexone is a drug used to block the effects of opioids ("narcotics"). However, at low doses (less than 5mg), naltrexone has the reverse effect and improves pain relief.
3. Customized Hormone Therapy: Evidence continues to emerge about the importance of hormone balance. For optimal benefit, therapy should be individualized with multiple problems treated simultaneously. In patients with Fibromyalgia, the various glands that produce the body's essential hormones may not respond to stimuli or feedback from one another in a normal manner, leading to altered function that is often overlooked when interpreting standard blood tests.
4. Quality Supplements: Vitamin B-12 levels are often low in patients with fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. A malfunctioning thyroid or adrenal gland can decrease the ability of the body to absorb and utilize vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 is necessary for a healthy nervous system; it has been known for many years that depression and fatigue can be caused by low B-12 levels. Malic acid and magnesium may help to relieve pain and tenderness of fibromyalgia.
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is available by prescription only from compounding pharmacies. We can customize hormone therapy, including T3, and recommend the most appropriate supplements to treat problems that have not responded to conventional therapy. We welcome the opportunity to help you.
