Evidence from several studies has indicated that low serotonin levels may play a role in the development of fibromyalgia.   

It is believed that serotonin abnormalities could be responsible for depression and insomnia—symptoms that many fibromyalgia patients suffer from.  Because 5-HTP could raise low serotonin levels, it may be helpful in alleviating such symptoms. 

Although no one knows exactly why 5-HTP effectively improves fibromyalgia symptoms, researchers believe that low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin may be involved in symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, as mentioned above.  Serotonin is believed to mediate slow-wave (deep) sleep, as well as influence how pain is perceived by the body and mind. 

Leading sleep and fibromyalgia experts H. Moldofsky and J.J. Warsh theorize that primary fibromyalgia may result from a deficiency of circulating tryptophan, an amino acid.  This lack of tryptophan in turn restricts serotonin and interferes with what is known as deep sleep. The researchers also reported that the higher the concentration of unbound tryptophan in the plasma of FMS patients, the more profound their symptoms. (1)

Additionally, 5-HTP is the intermediate between tryptophan and serotonin and it is readily absorbed and crosses the blood-brain barrier.  It is also promoted for depression. (2)

Even though the cause of depression varies widely from one person to the next, most people with depression have low serotonin levels. Whether low levels of serotonin cause depression or depression causes serotonin levels to fall is not yet clear but what is certain is that by raising serotonin levels depression can often be alleviated.

A 90-day study of the effects of 5-HTP on 50 fibromyalgia patients published in The Journal of International Medical Research; 1992; 20:182 – 189 concluded that a “good” or “fair” clinical improvement occurred in 50 per cent of the patients. These patients ranged in age from 18 to 65. When clinical variables such as tender point soreness, anxiety, pain intensity, quality of sleep and fatigue were compared with baseline results, researchers concluded that all symptoms had been  improved after 90 days of taking 100 milligrams of 5-HTP three times daily.

Low levels of serotonin in the brain can contribute to the development of depression.  Some studies indicate that 5-HTP may be as effective as certain antidepressant drugs in treating individuals with mild to moderate depression. Such individuals have shown improvements in mood, anxiety, insomnia, and physical symptoms.

1.  H. Moldofsky and J.J. Warsh; Pain; 1978; 5:65 71;  
2.  Birdsall, Altern Med Rev 8/98;3:271.

Up to 90% of those with fibromyalgia report moderate to severe fatigue. This type of fatigue isn’t just the usual run of the mill tiredness either.  It can last all of the time and for months on end, making it difficult for sufferers to work, take care of family, exercise, or even engage in simple daily tasks or chores.

While the majority of people with fibromyalgia experience extreme fatigue, some people seem to escape this symptom, and others find they are able to adjust to their newly reduced energy levels.  What is most discouraging is the fact that in some cases this fatigue never seems to get better, even with extended periods of rest and sleep.  This is most likely due to the variety of sleep disorders that those with fibromyalgia have, which creates a vicious cycle of pain and fatigue.

Causes of Fatigue

Many fibromyalgia sufferers have frequently reported that they become easily fatigued after mental exertion or physical exercise.  Additionally, many are unable to fall asleep, sleep very lightly, or are suddenly awaken from a very deep sleep.  The question is, could the lack of quality sleep be causing the fatigue, or is there another factor involved here?  Fortunately, new research is being conducted by doctors who specialize in fibromyalgia to find out. 

Common causes of fatigue:

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): The extreme fatigue that many fibromyalgia sufferers experience is very similar to that associated with CFS.  In fact, more than 75% of CFS sufferers have similar symptoms to those with fibromyalgia.  And, many people with fibromyalgia may actually have CFS, as well.  It can be difficult for doctors to distinguish between these two syndromes since they are very similar and are often confused with one another.
• Sleep Disorders:  Many fibromyalgia sufferers experience a variety of sleep disorders, including a problem with their ability to engage in deep sleep.  This is called the alpha EEG anomaly, which is a disorder characterized by sudden brain activity during periods of deep sleep.  These periods of activity may cause people to wake up or feel less rested, contributing to fatigue.
• Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A more recent explanation for the extreme fatigue that accompanies fibromyalgia focuses on a problem with the body’s energy source. Mitochondria inside our cells convert nutrients and oxygen into energy for our body.  A large number of fibromyalgia sufferers seem to have dysfunctional mitochondria, and thereby don’t have enough energy to power their bodies.

Fatigue and Pain

 Recent studies have shown that the amount of fatigue a fibromyalgia sufferer experiences directly correlates with the amount of pain they have.  For example, if you are feeling particularly tired one morning, you can pretty much count on having an increased amount of fibromyalgia pain during the day.

Fatigue and pain appears to work in a vicious cycle. Due to the severe pain many people experience, sleeping can become difficult, if not impossible.  Naturally, this contributes to fatigue, which, in turn, makes the pain much harder to bear.  

Fatigue also has a great impact on the psychological well being of those suffering from fibromyalgia. Fatigue heightens stress and emotions, which in turn increases the amount of pain that is experienced. Fatigue and depression have also been linked. Furthermore, fatigue may contribute to the memory loss and forgetfulness that often occurs with fibromyalgia.

Some health care professionals believe that some (acute) stress can be a good thing, but chronic stress is not.  Therefore, our objective should be learning to manage long term stress.  Reducing stress can be achieved via meditation and relaxation techniques, as well as exercise, and the use of dietary supplements.  Read on about how chronic stress affects us physically and mentally.  You may be surprised at the consequences.

Common symptoms and results of stress can include:

• A fast heartbeat
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sleep disturbances
• A headache
• A stiff neck and/or tight shoulders
• Back pain
• Fast breathing
• Sweating, and sweaty palms
• An upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea

Long Term Stress can Have Physical and Emotional Effects

In healthy people, the nervous system helps maintain a balance between a stress response and relaxation.  However, for some people, this system remains on guard, which makes them unable to relax.  If this situation becomes chronic, a whole variety of physical and emotional stress-related symptoms and illnesses can follow.

Physical Symptoms:

• Accelerated aging
• Decreased immunity
• Heart disease
• Digestive issues
• Hormone imbalances
• Skin issues

Emotional Symptoms:

• Feel cranky and unable to deal with even small problems
• Feel frustrated, lose your temper more often, and yell at others for no reason
• Feel jumpy or tired all the time
• Find it hard to focus on tasks
• Worry too much about small things
• Feel that you are missing out on things because you can””””””””t act quickly
• Imagine that bad things are happening or about to happen

Read more in our article
The Physiological Effects of Stress

 

Products to Help Combat the Negative Effects of Stress

While stress seems to be unavoidable these days there are supplements that can help support you physically and mentally.

Calm Thoughts
Supports Calm Focus

This formula addresses the multiple, interdependent body systems that are involved with stress, including neuromodulation, energy generation, the adrenals, and the musculoskeletal system without sacrificing the clarity and focus you need to function effectively.

5-HTP
Supports Normal Sleep Cycles

Clinical studies have shown that 5HTP (L-5-Hydroxytryptophan) increases the amount and availability of serotonin, which helps support your healthy moods, eating habits, and sleep cycles that are generally affected when under stress.

SAMe
Supports a Positive Mood

Studies have shown that SAMe helps support a positive outlook due to its affect on the synthesis and production of mood-boosting neurotransmitters. People in the U.S. have been using SAM-e to help treat depression or to preserve emotional well-being.

Vitamin B-50 Complex
Supports Energy Production

Research has found that a B complex vitamin can help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and stress that many people suffer from, such as depression, irritability, and improper nerve function, while helping to support the immune system.

Melatonin
Supports Normal Sleep Patterns

Melatonin is a neurohormone that is naturally produced in humans by the pineal gland. In addition to its hormonal and sleep regulating actions, melatonin has been shown to have strong antioxidant effects and may also help strengthen the immune system.