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. 

5-HTP and Fibromyalgia 

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.

Research 

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.

Read more about 5-HTP and Fibromyalgia on our new Fibromyalgia website here: 

References

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

Gender – Both women and men can be afflicted by fibromyalgia. Many experts believe it could be tied to hormone imbalances, including estrogen dominance. 

Age – Fibromyalgia is most common in people between 20 and 55 years old; however, it can occur in people of all age groups. Women typically develop it during their childbearing years.

Stress – People coming from stressful environments or who are particularly vulnerable to stress (either physiological or psychological) are believed to develop fibromyalgia more frequently that those who experience less stress.  High levels of stress can trigger flare-ups.

Sleep Disorders – Many fibromyalgia sufferers have a long history of sleep problems.  Some experts claim that sleep disorders could be a root cause of fibromyalgia, such as sleep apnea.

Genetics – Research has shown that women closely related to a fibromyalgia sufferer are more likely to develop this condition themselves indicating a genetic predisposition. 

Other chronic-pain conditions – People with lupus, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis (a type of arthritis) are at increased risk for developing fibromyalgia, possibly because their chronic pain causes sensitization of the central nervous system, which is believed to be the cause of fibromyalgia related pain. 

What many people don’t realize is that these symptoms can be directly or indirectly associated with fibromyalgia.  If you suffer from these symptoms, you may have fibromyalgia and not be aware of it.  

 18 Points of Tenderness 

Painful tender points are located at various places on your body and are a common characteristic of fibromyalgia syndrome leading to a diagnosis. Your health care provider will ask about your pain symptoms and then press on a series of anatomically-defined soft tissue body sites called “tender points.”  Eleven of the 18 tender point sites must be painful when pressed in order to receive a medical diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

While any body part can be affected, the most common sites of pain include:

• Neck and Back
• Shoulders and Chest
• Hips and Knees
• Hands and Elbow Regions
• Buttocks and Pelvic Girdle

Pledge to Care

 Energetic Nutrition is a member of the National Fibromyalgia Association. See their website for great information and the opportunity to Pledge to Care:

• Fibromyalgia Information
• Support and Resources
• Magazine
• Community Events

You can also visit our fibromyalgia website page for more information regarding resource links and suggested further reading.  

Dietary Supplements to the Rescue

Even if you are not diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but suffer from the various associated symptoms, you may find relief from natural dietary supplements. Please review this chart, which includes a list of symptoms along with natural dietary supplements that can help provide relief for a variety of symptoms associated with this condition.  Even if you have not been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, yet suffer from any of the symptoms listed, you may benefit from one or more of the products listed. 

Read more about natural supplements for fibromyalgia on our Fibromyalgia website: 

Need help choosing which products are right for you?  We have a nutritionist on staff to help you. See our Contact Us page to contact our nutritionist by telephone, email, or live chat.