Risk Factors Contributing to Fibromyalgia Development

Fibromyalgia is a condition impacting muscles and soft tissues throughout the body, often mistaken for arthritis due to overlapping symptoms. Recent studies indicate women are twice as likely to develop fibromyalgia compared to men. This discrepancy may relate to serotonin production, which is approximately 50% faster in men, providing some protective effect.

The exact cause remains unknown. The "central sensitization" hypothesis suggests that affected individuals have heightened sensitivity to pain because of an increased reactivity of pain-sensitive nerves in the spinal cord or brain.

Commonly co-occurring conditions include neuropathic pain and depression, driven by shared genetic variations affecting neurotransmitter signaling pathways. Stressful events or illness in vulnerable individuals can trigger alterations in inflammatory and mood-related pathways, possibly leading to fibromyalgia and related mood disorders. These changes amplify pain perception, caused by hyperactive pain pathways and decreased inhibitory control in the brain.

Biochemical variations influence mood, sleep, and energy levels, explaining common issues related to mood disturbances, sleep disruption, and fatigue among patients. Research suggests links between fibromyalgia and gene polymorphisms in serotonin, dopamine, and catecholamine pathways, although these are also associated with other disorders like chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome.

Individuals with specific genetic variations, such as the 5-HT2A receptor 102T/C polymorphism, are at increased risk. Lifestyle factors like stress, smoking, obesity, and low physical activity also play a role in disease onset. A history of trauma, including childhood or adult abuse, has been associated with fibromyalgia, although findings are not definitive. Hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, and low levels of growth hormone may contribute to symptoms in some cases.