Relief From Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is characterized by general aching, fatigue, morning stiffness, and sleep disturbances. It is a constant and gnawing generalized pain that profoundly interferes with people's ability to function. The pain generally affects the neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, shin, elbows, or knees and is typically worse in the morning.

Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia For a diagnosis of fibromyalgia to be made, the patient must meet all three major criteria and four or more of the minor criteria: Major criteria Generalized aches or stiffness in at least three anatomic sites for at least three months Six or more typical, reproducible tender points Exclusion of other disorders that can cause similar symptoms Minor criteria Generalized fatigue Chronic headache Sleep disturbance Neurological and psychological complaints Joint swelling Numbness or tingling sensations Irritable bowel syndrome Variation of symptoms in relation to activity, stress, and weather changes Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as quoted in the book: 5-HTP The Natural Way to Overcome Depression, Obesity, and Insomnia by Micael Murray, N.D.

Fibromyalgia is associated with low serotonin levels. As discussed in a study involving Fibromyalgia and migraines, increasing serotonin levels may have a direct role in mitigating the transmission of pain signals. The more serotonin present, the less vulnerable you are to pain. This may be accomplished by the fact that 5-HTP affects the levels of endorphins. Endorphins, which are chemically related to morphine, are the body's own natural pain relievers. Mounting evidence suggests that 5-HTP can boost endorphin levels by increasing serotonin, which regulates the production and release of endorphins.

A 90-day study found that 5-HTP alleviated fibromyalgia symptoms in 50 patients with fibromyalgia. Anxiety, tender points, pain intensity, fatigue and sleep quality all showed significant improvement. Another study found similar results in improving fibromyalgia symptoms. (Sarzi, Caruso, et al. 1992; Caruso, Sarzi, et al. 1990)

Fibromyalgia fatigue is caused by a lack of deep, restorative sleep (stage 4). People with fibromyalgia tend to not experience deeper stages of the sleep cycle, but spend most of the night in stage 1 of the sleep cycle. (Harding, et al; 1998) 5-HTP helps fibromyalgia patients improve sleep quality. (Juhl, 1998)

It has been found that the combination of 5-HTP (100 mg), St. John's-wort extract (300 mg), and magnesium (200 to 250 mg) three times daily works better than any of these products alone.

Fibromyalgia is real and the pain experienced by those that suffer from it is not imagined. There are real causes, such as low levels of serotonin. The good news is that 5-HTP has been found by many to address those causes and bring a measure of relief. Note: Maximum benefit generally takes place after four weeks of continuous use.

5HTP is Available Online ...from people that you trust!

References

Caruso I, Sarzi Puttini P, Cazzola M, Azzolini V. Double-blind study of 5-hydroxytryptophan versus placebo in the treatment of primary fibromyalgia syndrome. J Int Med Res. 1990 May-Jun;18(3):201-209.

Harding SM, Alarcon GS, Bradley LA. Sleep in fibromyalgia patients: Subjective and objective findings. American J of Med Sciences. 1998 Jun;315(6):367-376.

Juhl JH. Fibromyalgia and the serotonin pathway. Altern Med Review. 1998 Oct;3(5):367-375.

Sarzi Puttini P, Caruso I. Primary fibromyalgia syndrome and 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan: a 90-day open study. J Int Med Res. 1992 Apr;20(2):182-189.