Fibromyalgia From the Gender Perspective: Triggering, Clinical Presentation and Coping

Abstract

Objective: to identify the gender-based differences regarding triggering, clinical presentation and coping of fibromyalgia. Method: an integrative literature review of the narrative type and conducted in five stages, about how research studies discuss the gender-based differences regarding fibromyalgia. It was carried out in November 2022 with the fibromyalgia/fibromialgia and gender/gênero descriptors in the LILACS, MEDLINE, BDENF and IBECS databases via BVS and PubMed. The studies included were those published in the last 10 years, available in full and of free access, in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Results: a total of 16 research studies conducted in United States, Spain, Mexico, Portugal, Egypt, Israel, Italy and Colombia were analyzed. No studies were found in Brazil, an only one of them includes a nurse as author. There is a prevalence of fibromyalgia in females and it is agreed that belonging to this gender can be a risk factor for the disease, due to the lower pain threshold and greater sensitivity to pressure and temperature. Men and women have different pain perceptions and experiences, which can generate underdiagnosis among the former. There are few male participants in the research studies. Only one survey addressed the transgender population. Conclusion: there are divergent conclusions, with controversial data and hypotheses to explain the diagnostic disparity between the genders, and the low number of diagnosed men impacts on research studies. There is a broad field to be explored in Brazil about this topic and there is an evident need for research studies with transgender people. Analyses that correlate all genders may help reorganize fibromyalgia management to promote the patients' well-being and quality of life.