Women certainly aren't the only ones who get fibromyalgia (FMS) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS), but we sure do make up the lion's share. Anyone who's witnessed unmedicated labor (such as my husband) will tell you that we're definitely NOT the weaker sex, yet we're most often the ones hit by these nasty conditions. Why is that?
Researchers are asking that question more and more, and it's spawning some interesting research. They're looking in several directions, including our hormones (of course), our immune sysems (those are different too, apparently), and even that special X chromosome that makes us female.
- Read more about gender-based research and theories.
- Look at risk factors for fibromyalgia & chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Talk to some fabulous women (and a few men) in About.com's Fibromyalgia & ME/CFS forum.
I strongly believe that these conditions hit women more frequently because of the way we handle our anger and stress. Women have been taught that it isn’t lady-like to show anger and we tend to shove it down inside…where it festers. I feel that women have more stressors in their lives than men. We have been forced to work outside the home; we have to be a wife, a mother, a caretaker, a nurse, a housekeeper…and the list goes on. Men do not have all the responsibilities or concerns that women do. Men react differently when faced with the ‘fight or flight’ situation.
Just as we cannot find a cure for cancer; I don’t think they will cure FMS/ME either…at least not anytime soon. Stress plays an important role here and I think it’s the key. Which is not to say that it’s “all in our heads” because we know differently. I just believe that when we endure an overload of stressors our body reacts and can cause a number of illnesses, both physically and mentally.
Also, men are less likely to seek medical advice for their aches and pains than women. I’ll bet there are many men who suffer, but who won’t follow up with a physician because ‘they can take it’…they’re a man. Men typically do not like to complain about their pain or visit doctors.
It took me 2 years to get diagnosed,not only did doctors tell me it was all in my head. My own husband did! Since you can’t see anything and blood test show nothing, it must be all in our heads! Not! Finally when I found a doctor who listened when I said I am not imagining this pain I am not a whiner and I can handle pain. But this was gettig unbearable, the stress from no one believing me was causing more and more pain! So yes, absolutely this has alot to do with stress.
But I have to disagree about men not complaining about pain.Men are the biggest whiners ever.They just don’t want to be told it is all in their head, so they don’t persue seeking medical attention.
I think with men who may have this disorder, they go to male doctors and don’t reveal all their symptoms because of feeling inadequate so therefore, the doctor does not get the real picture or if he suspects, he will not tell the male patient that he may have a disorder that according to the NY Times article only over-weight older women contract.
You’re lucky Janice. For many others it has taken from 5 – 20 yrs. for a proper diagnosis. I’m sorry that your husband was so heartless and I know that had to hurt.
I agree with you about the ‘whining’, but I think men tend to be like that moreso while around their wives than with other males or physicians.
That’s a good point you made Carol. Over-weight older women…wonder where the NY Times got that tidbit of information. That’s the biggest joke i’ve heard about this illness.
I was involved in a fibromyalgia group where we chatted on line while sharing information obtained from various parts of the United States, Canada plus other parts of the world.
When I became friends with many of the people I asked them in a private conversation if they have been abused sexually and/or mentally as a child or adult.
I was shocked to learn the first 9 out of 10 women asked were.
We certainly know by ones own experience it is a stressful time.
If one is a child, they are told by the abuser ‘not’ to tell anyone especially if it is a relative.
So, the one being abused has to hold all the stress in.
How do I know all of the above? because I was abused as a child from the age of 8 to 11.
I honestly believe our bodies can only take so much stress before breaking down with illnesses.
I also know many that their fibro didn’t start until after they were in a car accident.
They might not find a cure for fibro because everyone’s DNA is different plus what one medication works for one, it might not work for the other person.
All hang in there, be careful of what medications you take but don’t be afraid to ask the doctor for specific meds that you need to help control the pain and muscle spasms, etc.
Blessings to all~
I’ve thought for a long time that the fact that more women suffer this awful disease is possibly linked to our use of lotions, perfumes, dyes, etc that girls begin using at young ages. And that’s before all the chemicals and fumes of running any household are put into the mix. Add to that the poluting effects of modern life in most areas. So when one eventually has an illness, be it physical or stress-related, the body is totally depleted of resources to fight.