Case-control study, 2004
Does the menstrual cycle affect pain and mood in women with fibromyalgia?
Women with fibromyalgia had more pain and negative emotions than other women. All women felt less positive emotions in the second half of the cycle, more so in those with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia pain itself did not change across the cycle.
What they did
Researchers measured pain and emotions in 57 women with fibromyalgia, 20 with rheumatoid arthritis, and 48 healthy women aged 21 to 45 during the first half (follicular) and second half (luteal) of the menstrual cycle.
What they found
Women with fibromyalgia reported more pain, menstrual symptoms, and negative emotions than the other groups. All women reported less positive emotions during the luteal phase, but this drop was more pronounced in women with fibromyalgia and those with rheumatoid arthritis than in healthy women. Fibromyalgia pain itself did not vary across the menstrual cycle.
What it means for you
In women with fibromyalgia, the menstrual cycle affects mood more than pain. The study shows associations but cannot prove cause and effect.
57
women with fibromyalgia
48
healthy controls
125
total women studied
About the study
- Original title
- Menstrual cycle influences on pain and emotion in women with fibromyalgia
- Authors
- Alonso C, Loevinger BL, Muller D et al.
- Journal
- Journal of psychosomatic research
- Year
- 2004
- Study design
- Case-control study
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2004.05.003
Topics
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