I have a yoga client who went years dealing with chronic pain and fatigue before finally finding her diagnosis: fibromyalgia. Why the difficulty with diagnosis? Fibromyalgia is one of may auto immune disorders that doctors often misdiagnosis and/or overlook and its not necessarily the doctors fault either. Oftentimes, these disorders just slip right under the radar with stealthy and erratic symptoms.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Here are 5 disorders that often go under the radar, and the 5 symptoms you should look for #health” quote=”Here are 5 disorders that often go under the radar, and the 5 symptoms you should look for.”]
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a condition where the body produces excess male hormones, caused by an imbalance in insulin. PCOS isn’t often diagnosed until women experience infertility; it is the leading cause of infertility in the U.S. LOOK FOR: Irregular periods, weight gain, excess body and facial hair.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Reports suggest at least 1 million Americans suffer from CFS, marked by extreme fatigue. The cause is uncertain. Some suggest it is due to hormonal imbalance and stress, other suggest long-term viral infections. LOOK FOR: Extreme fatigue, inability to focus, lack of memory. Doctors will often test for Mono, Lyme disease and thyroid function to rule out other conditions.
- Lupus: Lupus is a condition in which your immune system attacks your body. It is thought that hormones play a role, as many women experience their first symptoms after or during pregnancy. LOOK FOR: Facial rash, kidney disease, low counts of red blood cells, platelets, or white blood cells.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Another immune system disorder, MS attacks the myelin sheath covering the nerves in the brain and the nervous system, causing a breakdown in the nerves and the communication channel they supply between the body and the brain. Most individuals are diagnosed between the ages of 20-40. LOOK FOR: Numbness and weakness, dull pain, fatigue, vision problems.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Many women go years with symptoms of IBS but are too embarrassed to talk about it with the doctor. IBS is thought to possibly be caused by a miscommunication between the brain and the gut; it also may have associations with diet and a woman’s menstrual cycle. LOOK FOR: Diarrhea, constipation, pain; worsening of symptoms after fatty foods, dairy products as well as coffee and alcohol.
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Melissa B. Williams is a freelance writer and editor based in Louisville, Colorado. She previously served as the Editorial Director for Healing Lifestyles & Spas for 10 years and remains a frequent contributor.
With her love of health and writing, Melissa has written for such publications as Shape, Natural Solutions, Yoga Journal, Self and Pilates Style, and has created recipes and food-oriented stories for such publications as Delicious Living and Cooking Light.
With her love of health and writing, Melissa has written for such publications as Shape, Natural Solutions, Yoga Journal, Self and Pilates Style, and has created recipes and food-oriented stories for such publications as Delicious Living and Cooking Light.
Latest posts by Melissa, Editorial Director (see all)
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