Fibromyalgia is uniquely different. 

Ask anyone who has been diagnosed with it to explain why they hurt what caused it or what the symptoms are. You will get as many answers as people you ask.  Why?

Symptoms, etiology and the level of pain in fibromyalgia are unique to each person, just as their fingerprints are. Many will point to a trauma like an auto accident as the initial stressor when symptoms began. Some will describe a slow onset with symptoms that started in childhood and grew slowly worse over time. Yet others remember  that one day they “just woke up hurting all over”. 

Although there is no clear cause identified, there’s more than 100 symptoms associated with fibromyalgia; that’s why they call it a syndrome. What do we know then? 

Fibromyalgia or FM is primarily a disorder of the nervous system, especially in how the brain processes pain signals.  The human body is designed to interpret pain as a warning signal that something is wrong. Through a network of signaling, the immune and nervous system work in tandem to lessen the pain and heal the injured part. However, in  FM, the nervous system is part of the problem. Pain signals are amplified instead of quieted. When this occurs for more than 3 months and in several regions of the body, a diagnosis of fibromyalgia may be made. 

Fixing a broken signal  

Fixing a broken signal in the human body is not as easy as fixing an internet or wireless problem with your TV or phone.  The nervous system works through a complex set of neurotransmitters that send and receive messages from nerve cells to other nerve cells, muscles and organs that affect their performance. These electrical messages are what make  you move, feel, think and perform. If these messengers are not functioning optimally, neither are you! 

Several of these neurochemicals which affect pain, mood and sleep are not doing their “job”. One of the classic symptoms of fibromyalgia is pain. Due to an excess of substance-P, a pain messenger, and not enough serotonin, a pain modifier, people with FM may experience pain 3-4 times higher than normal people.. Serotonin is also required for melatonin production, the hormone that helps regulate your body clock and stages of sleep. Additionally, calming neurochemicals like GABA and dopamine may be low, too, so that a person with FM feels anxious or nervous when trying to relax. This dysregulation also interferes with cognitive issues, too.

While medications that try to tweak these neurochemicals are often prescribed for fibromyalgia, many have unwanted side effects that outweigh their benefits. Drugs like Gabapentin, an anti-seizure drug, is prescribed for fibromyalgia. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), a class of antidepressants, are also used to increase serotonin, to ease both anxiety, pain and improve sleep. Studies have shown that only about 30% of FMers get relief and those who do may develop a tolerance which then makes the drug less effective in reducing symptoms. Many with FM also wonder if they will get “addicted” to these drugs. Is there a way to support the neurotransmitter activity to help with poor sleep, the pain response  and anxiety without ending up dopey or sleepy? 

5-HTP is the building block of serotonin. Taken as a supplement, 5-HTP  may be able to provide your body with what it needs to a healthy pain response, relaxation and sleep. 5-HTP may also help cognition by supporting serotonin production. 

In the past 5 years alone, hundreds of studies have been published on PubMed about 5-HTP. Research suggests dietary supplementation may offer a positive benefit for serotonin synthesis, cognitive function and mood.

Nutrients that support serotonin regulation   

5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin. But it takes other nutrients for the body to be able to synthesize 5-HTP in the biochemical pathway. There are also other nutrients that appear to influence brain signaling. Read how each nutrient supports 5-HTP activity for pain response, mood and promoting restful sleep.

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan): Derived from the Griffonia simplicifolia plant, this is the most direct precursor to serotonin. It easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that supports mood, quality sleep and influences the pain response.  

Niacin (Vitamin B-3): As a form of Vitamin B-3, Niacinamide plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and is a precursor for the production of tryptophan, a key amino acid in the serotonin pathway.

Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine HCl): Often called the "master vitamin" for neurotransmitter synthesis, B-6 is a vital cofactor. It acts as the essential catalyst for converting 5-HTP into serotonin. Without it, the process would be slow and inefficient.

Glycine: This amino acid acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning it has a calming effect on the brain. It can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, which is essential for falling asleep.

Taurine: A conditional amino acid, Taurine also has a calming effect on the nervous system. It works by activating GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors, helping to quiet the "chatter" in the brain and reduce over-stimulation.

Inositol: This sugar alcohol is a key player in cell signaling, particularly concerning neurotransmitters. It helps your brain cells communicate more effectively with serotonin, which can improve the brain's response to it and support a stable mood.

How do you take 5-HTP?    

5-HTP is available over the counter in supplement form in 50 to 200 mg strengths. The half life or time 5-HTP remains in the blood stream is rather short so consider the mg amount when taking. Follow the directions on the supplement label for the serving size. 5-HTPn can make you drowsy so you may want to take the first dose an hour or so before bedtime. If it does not make you drowsy, you can take it during the day time to support relaxation of muscles and nerves. See the caution below. Always check with your health care provider regarding questions on supplements for your individual medical advice. 

 Other Blog Reads: 5-HTP, The Feel Good Nutrient

©Ty, Inc.  For informational purposes only. 

Caution: Those on any serotonin type medications like SSRIs, SNRIs or similar type drugs should check with their prescribing health care professional before taking 5-HTP.