Fibromyalgia Community

Thank you for your great responses to the discussion on hormone problems with FM . I wanted to summarize what may be some specific neuroendocrine dysfunctions that contribute to so many of our unique symptoms. Briefly, I'll name the gland, it's implicated dysfunctional hormone(s), and specific fibro symptoms that may result. I think it's best to think of a dysfunctional hormone in FM as a deficient hormone. This means that our body acts like we do not have enough of a particular hormone even if, technically, the hormone levels are not measured to be "too low." Many hormones have been measured to be too low, but some are considered "low normal" and others may be defective in some way, or unable to bind properly with the hormone receptors, so the end result is: "deficient."

Hypothalamus: Specialized neuroendocrine brain area that produces releasing hormones that signal specific glands. These "releasing hormones" may be defective, dysfunctional, deficient for us and thus not able to properly signal our glands to function properly.

Pineal gland: melatonin. May play role in our poor nonrestful sleep.

Pituatary: growth hormone, thyroid stimulation hormone. Deficiencies of both, esp growth hormone, can lead to fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, cold hands and feet, poor recovery from activity/exercise, immune dysfunctions, decreased tissue repair etc.

Thyroid: thyroxine. Often low and can mimic FM, or become low in those with FM and cause worsening fatigue, slowed metabolism, weight gain, pain.

Liver: insulin-like growth factor-1, or somatomedin C, is produced by the liver in response to stimulation by our growth hormone. Low growth hormone levels equals low IGF-1 levels.

Pancreas: insulin. Probably plays role in our FM-related hypoglycemia symptoms (lightheaded, dizzy, fatigue, "crashing"). In FM, the insulin seems to become more sensitive in its action, thus it acts like there is too much instead of too little as with the other hormones.

Adrenal gland: glucocorticoids (steroid hormones) These are our "stress hormones" which may start off being overstimulated due to the stress of chronic pain but ultimately probably become deficient. Can lead to immune dysfunction (ie frequent infections), fatigue, cognitive dysfunctions, metabolism changes, chronic anxiety etc.

Adrenal medulla: epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine. Play major role in our PAIN via complex interactions with our central and peripheral nervous systems. These 3 key hormones are also important in mood, anxiety, congnition, focusing, motivation and more. All are "deficient" in FM.

Ovary/Testes: estrogen, androgen, testosterone. Can lead to problems with libido, sexual function, weakness, fatigue etc.

Skin: vitamin D. Don't forget about this important compound which is felt to be more of a hormone than a vitamin.

This is a lot of info but it may help you see the bigger hormone picture a little better and appreciate how complicated all the hormone interactions and feedback loops are. Also, it may remind you that all your unique fibro symptoms have an actual biological "cause," invariably within our dysfunctional neuroendocrine system.

Disclaimer: The above is for your information only. I don't pretend to really understand any of it!!

Dr. P