If you have Fibromyalgia (FM) or have a family member that does, you may ponder if Fibromyalgia can pass down in the gene pool.
I bet my dry brush that you have wondered something like:
My mom has Fibromyalgia. Will I get it too?
Or, I have Fibromyalgia. Will my kids get it?
If you’re an FM warrior, you know how mentally and physically painful this chronic illness is. So passing it on to your children is an unsettling thought.
On the other hand, if a close relative has Fibro, you may wonder when you’ll begin to develop symptoms of your own. And then, as dramatic as it may sound, how your life is now forever changed.
So the big question is, is Fibromyalgia hereditary or genetic?
By the end of this blog post, you’ll have a better understanding of that question. You’ll also learn about the most common age to start developing Fibro, what genes are likely affected, and whether there’s a genetic test you can take.
The difference between hereditary and genetic
A genetic disease means there’s an abnormality in the genome. This results in an increased risk of developing that condition from your parents. Genetic mutations can happen randomly during a person’s life and do not have to be passed down from parent to child. A hereditary disease means it can be passed down between generations, from parent to child.
Contrary to popular speak, these terms are not interchangeable. Hereditary and genetic conditions both involve a gene mutation. Yet, genetic conditions do not have to be hereditary. It’s a little confusing but bear with me here.
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Is Fibromyalgia hereditary or genetic?
According to the Mayo Clinic, Fibromyalgia isn’t passed down from parent to child, at least not like a typical mutation. However, some studies suggest that Fibromyalgia can be hereditary in the sense that only one parent needs funky FM genes for their child to be susceptible, but not necessarily inherit the illness.
So if you have FM, your child is not automatically doomed to a life of the invisible ouchies. Unfortunately though, FM is also known to run in families.
With Fibro showing up in multiple family members (extended included), this suggests that some genetic malfunctions may carry on through the lineage. This also indicates that anyone with a family member with a Fibro history has a higher chance of developing it.
In fact, according to Verywell Health, close relatives of people with FM have an 8.5 times higher chance of developing FM than being in the same situation with rheumatoid arthritis.
That seems like a lot!
Genes associated with Fibromyalgia
Some genes have been identified as being associated with Fibromyalgia. One study found up to half of FM’s susceptibility comes from genetic factors.
Potential genes associated with FM are:
- SLC64A4 (creates and instructs a protein called pendrin to transport ions)
- MYT1L (development of nerve cells)
- NRXN3 (appropriately recognizing other cells)
- TRPV2 (relaxes the stomach and intestine)
Notice that these 4 genes correlate to many FM symptoms, like magnesium deficiencies, overactive nerves, and poor gut health.
Is there a genetic test for Fibromyalgia?
No genetic test for Fibromyalgia exists yet.
However, I discovered a genetic test called the Proove test. This genetic test helps doctors determine whether a person is at risk for drug addictions and the medications that would be best to treat them with. Using 11 genes, the test identifies which ones affect drug metabolism and pain sensitivity.
I was slightly disappointed when I did more Googling. I found that the Proove company filed for bankruptcy in 2017, paid doctors millions to push these tests on their patients, and billed Medicare millions more to pay for them.
Who is most susceptible to Fibromyalgia?
Women ages 20 to 50 are most susceptible to Fibromyalgia, though anybody of any age can develop it. And as you get older, your chances increase. In general, though, FM strikes most between the ages of 25 to 55.
Furthermore, people with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop FM. About 25% of those with lupus have Fibromyalgia too. Another report says about 30% of those with lupus have comorbid FM.
What age does Fibromyalgia usually start?
Based on my math, Fibromyalgia most often develops around the age of 40.
Let me explain how I calculated this number.
This NHS article states that FM develops between 25 to 55. This Office on Women’s Health article from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services lists 35 to 45. Find the average of those numbers, and that’s 40.
Your takeaway
Is Fibromyalgia hereditary or genetic?
FM tends to run in the family, and family members of those with FM have a higher risk of developing it.
However, Fibromyalgia is not your typical hereditary condition. Children of parents with FM are more susceptible to getting FM, but it’s not certain they’ll develop it as they get older.
Women are most often affected, especially around 40.
Unfortunately, though, FM can affect people of all ages.
I have a few family members with chronic pain on my dad’s side.
Do you or any of your family members struggle with Fibromyalgia? How far back in the family tree does the chronic pain go?
Please share with me in the comments below!
