NEUROENDOCRINE FINDINGS IN PATIENTS WITH FIBROMYALGIA

Objectives. Fibromyalgia [FMS] remains a poorly understood disorder ch aracterized by a number of symptoms [pain, fatigues, sleep disturbance and psychological distress], but few physical findings and normal rou tine laboratory tests, Many of the most important symptoms of FMS are shared by other syndromes such as chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic headaches, pelvic pain syndromes, and temporom andibular disorders, These syndromes fall into the spectrum of ''stres s-related illnesses'' by virtue of the clinical observation that the o nset of the disorder often coincides with physical or psychological st ress, and because the course of the symptoms is strongly influenced by the perceived level of life stress. The physiologic stress response s ystems interact with other neuroendocrine axes, particularly those tha t affect growth and reproduction, We will review research supporting a n association between FMS and perturbed function of stress response sy stems and other neuroendocrine axes. Conclusions. Currently available research indicates that multiple neuroendocrine pathways ale disturbed in patients with FMS. It is not clear whether these disturbances rend er patients vulnerable to the development of FMS, develop as a consequ ence of the disorder, or are consequent to other neurochemical disturb ances. Further research is needed to clarify the role of neuroendocrin e axes in FMS.