Neuroendocrine abnormalities in fibromyalgia and related disorders

Fibromyalgia (FM) and related syndromes are poorly understood disorders that share symptoms such as pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and psychological distress. These syndromes are more common in women, and they are associated with psychological or physical stressors. The neuroendocrine axes are essential physiologic systems that allow for communication between the brain and the body. Interconnections among the neuroendocrine axes lead to coordinate regulation of these systems in both a positive and negative fashion. Several neuroendocrine axes have been shown to be dysfunctional in patients with FM. Although we do not yet understand the relationship between the reported disturbances of neuroendocrine function and the development or maintenance of FM and related syndromes, the authors have proposed that these abnormalities are important in symptomatic manifestations. This article reviews data showing disturbances of the neuroendocrine axes in FM and proposes a hypothesis of the development and maintenance of FM related to neuroendocrine disturbances.