Fibromyalgia has often been called the “great imitator” because so many of its symptoms mimic those of other disorders. As a result, it can often be difficult to receive a proper diagnosis of fibromyalgia. However, there are subtle differences between many of the illnesses and FMS. Learning more about each of these disorders can help you figure out just how fibromyalgia is distinct from them.
Common disorders that fibromyalgia is often mistaken for include:
- Lyme disease
- Lupus
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Hypothyroidism
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome
- Cervical spinal stenosis
People with fibromyalgia are also at greater risk of developing a number of other disorders, many of which can exacerbate your current fibromyalgia symptoms, or are linked to certain conditions, which may lead to fertility problems. Illnesses, diseases and conditions that fall into this category include:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Osteoporosis
- Endometriosis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Crohn’s disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Anemia
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- GERD
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Yeast Infections
- Bruxism
- Low Cytokine Levels
- Hypoglycemia
FMS can also affect the way your body functions. It can also impact your libido, which in turn affects sexual intimacy. This site also explains why FMS affects your sexual desire and gives you tips to improve sexual intimacy in your relationship.