Fibromyalgia and Urinary Cortisol Levels
Author Information
Author(s): Silvia Izquierdo–Álvarez, Julia Pilar Bocos–Terraz, Jose Luis Bancalero–Flores, Lenin Pavón–Romero, Enrique Serrano–Ostariz, Cayetano Alegre de Miquel
Primary Institution: Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
Hypothesis
Is there an association between fibromyalgia and below-normal levels of urinary cortisol?
Conclusion
Women with fibromyalgia have significantly lower urinary cortisol levels than healthy women.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean cortisol value for women with fibromyalgia was significantly lower than that of the control group.
- Urinary cortisol is more representative of organic secretion than plasma cortisol.
- Most patients with fibromyalgia presented lower levels of urinary cortisol than normal.
Takeaway
This study found that women with fibromyalgia have less cortisol in their urine compared to healthy women, which might explain some of their symptoms.
Methodology
Urinary cortisol levels were measured in a sample of women with fibromyalgia and compared to a control group of healthy women.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to exclusion criteria and sample selection.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be applicable to men or to patients with different characteristics.
Participant Demographics
47 women with fibromyalgia aged 29 to 64 years and 58 healthy women of a similar age.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website