Factors that Aggravate Fibromyalgia
Weather (especially cold climates and changes in barometric pressure), cold or drafty environments, hormonal fluctuations (premenstrual and menopausal states), poor quality sleep, stress, depression, anxiety, and over-exertion can all contribute to fibromyalgia symptom flare-ups.1,2
Other Situations that Make Fibromyalgia Worse
Fibromyalgia patients are often sensitive to odors, loud noises, bright lights, some foods, and prescription medications.3 You may also experience:4,5,6
- chest pain unrelated to the heart
- shortness of breath
- dizziness
- nasal congestion
- painful periods
- palpitations
- irritable bladder/interstitial cystitis
- profuse sweating
- tingling/numbness sensations
- chemical sensitivities
- vulvodynia (vulvar pain)
- difficulty focusing eyes
- the feeling of swollen extremities
- dry/burning eyes and mouth
Read more about these annoying symptoms, what researchers are learning about them, and treatment suggestions in our article, “Is Sensory Overload Part of Your Fibromyalgia?”