Fibromyalgia

When discussing fibromyalgia, it is important to understand exactly what it is. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome (a collection of symptoms and physical signs), where people complain of chronic muscle pain at various sites (tender points) along the body. Other common symptoms include un-refreshing sleep, chronic fatigue, depressed mood, brain fog and poor exercise tolerance.

Current findings show convincing evidence that most people suffering from fibromyalgia have some form of low thyroid hormone function. A recent study done by Dr. John C. Lowe, author of the book: “The Metabolic Treatment of Fibromyalgia” showed that 90% of his fibromyalgia patients showed improvement when given thyroid hormone supplementation. Unfortunately, most conventional doctors do not explore this avenue thoroughly. One main reason for this is that the standard way most doctors test and diagnose low thyroid function is inadequate and misses the problem in most cases.

People with low thyroid function may have problems at one or more levels in their system. These extend from the hypothalamus (in the brain), to the pituitary gland, on down to the thyroid gland itself. In many instances there may be a problem with the conversion in the body of inactive thyroid hormone (T4) to the active form (T3), as well as problems at the cellular level with resistance to T3. There may also be antibodies present that block the normal activity of thyroid hormone.

The conventional method for treating low thyroid function is to give the patient only T4 hormone, such as Synthroid, Levoxil, Unithroid and Levothroid. This is not necessarily the most effective way to treat the problem. Dr Lowe indicates that about only 50% of people respond adequately to this form of thyroid hormone. Often times patients may need T3 only, or both T4 and T3.

E. Denis Wilson M.D., physician and author of several groundbreaking books on thyroid conditions, indicates that lifelong hormone supplementation is not needed in all patients. He has found that the body actually has the ability to “recalibrate” to the higher thyroid levels and maintain them when the hormone supplementation is discontinued.

It is also important to know that proclaiming someone has fibromyalgia does not amount to a diagnosis that describes the underlying problem. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome with many root causes. Besides low thyroid function, additional causes include low blood sugar, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, heavy metal poisoning, intestinal yeast overgrowth, sleep problems and various other hormonal deficiencies.

Solving the mystery of what the cause is, or causes are in a particular patient requires an extensive look at all of the factors that may be involved. Usually low thyroid function heads the list, but other causes are typically present as well in most patients. There is clear evidence that the most effective way to treat fibromyalgia is to take a comprehensive approach and simultaneously address as many factors as possible. Unfortunately, many doctors are unable to take the time to do this.

All too often, many fibromyalgia patients are simply prescribed pain medications, anti-depressants and told to exercise. These treatments may provide some short term symptom relief, but in the long term, response is usually poor. Patients are then told that nothing further can be done and they should just learn to “live with it.”

This prognosis need not be the case. If you have been given a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, don’t give up hope. Effective treatment is available. At The Center for Advanced Wellness we understand this complex condition. We use a proven successful protocol that gets to the root causes of this debilitating condition.