Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by muscle and bone aches, fatigue, sleep, memory problems, anxiety, and depression. Fibromyalgia symptoms tend to be more severe in women than in men. Women have more widespread pain, irritable bowel symptoms, and morning fatigue than men. Painful periods are also common. The transition to menopause could make fibromyalgia worse.

The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown. However, it appears to be triggered and made worse by stressful events i.e. infections, emotional and physical trauma, surgery, and other chronic illnesses. Other factors that increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia include age, gender, and family history. Most fibromyalgia cases are currently diagnosed in women, although the reason for this gender disparity isn’t clear. You’re most likely to be diagnosed in middle age, and your risk increases as you get older. However, children can develop fibromyalgia also. If you have close family members with fibromyalgia, you may be at greater risk of developing it.