Burnaby fibromyalgia doctor, Maria Fabbro N.D. specializes in Greater Vancouver patients cutting-edge fibromyalgia treatments using naturopathic medicine and customizable bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

Fibromyalgia most commonly affects women in their 50s and 60s and causes a wide range of potentially debilitating symptoms. It can also be very difficult to diagnose and is often misdiagnosed or misunderstood. Fibromyalgia causes a variety of symptoms however the most disruptive symptom of fibromyalgia is the widespread body pain that affects muscles and joints.

Are you dealing with fibromyalgia? You are not alone. Maria Fabbro, N.D. at Total Therapy understands how challenging this condition can be, and is here to help reduce pain, inflammation, fatigue and other difficult symptoms of the condition that disrupt your life. Greater Vancouver fibromyalgia provider, Dr. Maria Fabbro treats patients in Burnaby with personalized treatments designed specifically for their unique symptoms – offering safe, natural, non-invasive fibromyalgia relief that is backed up by science and experience. Maria Fabbro, N.D. at Total Therapy invites you to find out more about naturopathic medicine and discover a path towards managing your fibromyalgia effectively and naturally so that you can live your life without fibromyalgia pain.

Call (236) 259-0266 to speak with Maria Fabbro, N.D. at Total Therapy to schedule your fibromyalgia consultation today!

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Maria Fabbro, N.D. at Total Therapy is dedicated to helping Burnaby patients with fibromyalgia by focusing on reducing inflammation, pain, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Fibromyalgia doctor, Maria Fabbro N.D. specializes in numerous non-invasive therapies that help improve fibromyalgia symptoms safely and effectively.

Fibromyalgia causes chronic muscle and soft tissue pain within the body. Some people describe it as pins and needles; some say it’s more like having been hit by a bus. Some people experience the pain all over their bodies; others may feel it in specific locations. Whether it’s painful or annoying, consistent or occasional–it does not have to be tolerated.

Referred to as ‘fibro fog’, this symptom of fibromyalgia is heinously frustrating. Possibly due to sleeping issues, or other symptoms, this brain fog causes difficulty concentrating or remembering new information. This fog may leave you struggling to stay focused at work or keeping up in social settings and conversations.

Due to constantly fluctuating hormones that aggravate fibromyalgia, menstrual symptoms can also worsen. Many women experience heightened period cramps and muscle soreness, as well as worsened stress and anxiety levels.

Similar to when your limbs fall asleep, people with fibromyalgia experience a consistent tingling sensation in their limbs. These feelings of burning, prickling, or numbness may occur in the arms, hands, legs, and feet causing discomfort and potential pain.

Studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between fibromyalgia and depression. Depression can be persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness. It can cause difficulty sleeping, appetite changes, physical fatigue, and many other taxing symptoms.

Fibromyalgia research has discovered a link between the urinary incontinence symptom and nervous system stress. The nervous system is important in the regulation of bladder storage. When it becomes increasingly stressed, it leads to bladder malfunctions such as frequent urination urges or leakages.

The pelvic floor is located between your tailbone and pubic bone. Many people who experience pelvic pain due to fibromyalgia will feel it in this area. Although ‘pelvic pain’ may mean different areas to different people. This pelvic pain may cause or aggravate urinary incontinence.

An intense headache lasting for hours or days, migraines tend to begin in one specific area (your forehead, side of your head, or around or behind your eyes) and spread gradually throughout the day–aggravated by external factors such as sound or light.

Insomnia is dysregulated sleeping patterns in which falling or staying asleep is very difficult–and when sleep comes, it is not restful. This distressing symptom often exacerbates many of the others–such as depression and migraines. Pain tolerance plummets with lack of sleep–making the pain of fibromyalgia much less bearable.

Many patients with fibromyalgia wake with discomfort and feel as though they must loosen up their stiff muscles after a night in bed. Generally, these feelings of ‘stiffness’ are felt in the muscles and comes on after a long period of time in the same position.

There is a strong correlation between IBS and Fibromyalgia. Over half of the patients diagnosed with either IBS or Fibromyalgia show symptoms of the other.

IBS is characterized by abdominal pain–often in relation to bowel movements. This pain is often accompanied by bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.

A less common, yet disheartening side effect of fibromyalgia is pain in the face or jaw. This is called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ). It is caused by the strain on your jaw when you clench it due to pain from other symptoms.

This pain can lead to trouble chewing, speaking, or yawning and prevents full mandible mobility.

About Fibromyalgia

Conventional medicine often offers those suffering with fibromyalgia few–if any–solutions. Typically heavy painkillers are prescribed to battle the effects of this syndrome.

Hormones play a vital role in pain management. Research is being done to discover how certain hormones–such as pregnenolone, DHEA, and testosterone–may influence the nervous system and pain receptors.

  • Pregnenolone influences the nervous system and works with neurotransmitters to increase calmness.
  • DHEA reduces inflammation.
  • Testosterone can work with neurotransmitters to reduce the transmission of pain signals.

Keeping hormones balanced to maintain adequate levels can help suffering clients to potentially reduce existing symptoms of fibromyalgia and prevent other symptoms from occurring.

Diagnosing Fibromyalgia

The main symptoms of Fibromyalgia—pain and fatigue—are shared among numerous other conditions. Currently, there is no specific laboratory or image testing that can be done to diagnose Fibromyalgia. The primary factor of a Fibromyalgia diagnosis is widespread pain throughout the body for a minimum of 3 months. To qualify as widespread pain, an individual must have pain in at least 4 of the 5 areas of the body. These areas include:

  • Left and Right Upper Region
  • Left and Right Lower Region
  • Axial Region (neck, back, chest, abdomen)

In addition to pinpointing areas of pain, doctors will most likely work to rule out other serious conditions that share symptoms of pain and fatigue. This process involves doctors looking through an individual’s family medical history, performing a physical exam, and blood testing. Once other conditions are eliminated, Fibromyalgia can be diagnosed.

Find Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About BHRT

Beginning a Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) protocol typically comes with several questions. We’ve gathered some of the most common questions related to starting BHRT and answered them here below. If you have any further questions or need any clarification, please contact Dr. Fabbro at (236) 259-0266.

How Is BHRT Different From Regular HRT?

The main difference between bioidentical HRT and other forms of HRT is the kind of hormones that are used. In regular HRT, the synthetic hormones used contain additional chemical components that allow the drug manufacturers to patent their chemicals. At best, these added components do nothing for you. At worst, your body may recognize them as foreign chemicals and they may cause unpleasant side effects.

In BHRT, the hormones used are bioidentical, which means that they are the exact chemical structure as the hormones naturally produced in your body. This means there is no risk of your body not accepting them. Plus, they are derived from natural plant sources such as yams and soy.

Can I Buy Bioidentical Hormones Online?

While you may find websites claiming to sell bioidentical hormones, there are many risks involved in purchasing hormones online. First, it is often difficult to trace the origin of these products, meaning they may not be regulated for accuracy. This leads into the second problem, which is that it is very hard to be sure of the ingredients of these products. You may not be getting hormones at all!

Even if you find legitimate bioidentical hormones online, without seeing a doctor you can’t know for certain which hormones you need, what dose you need them in and what form of BHRT will work best for you. Here at Dr. Fabbro, you will receive proper care and treatment while experiencing minimal side effects.

What Form Does BHRT Come In?

Bioidentical hormones are prepared by a compounding pharmacy where they are produced into several forms including: pills, patches, creams, and more. Everyone responds to these various forms differently, and your BHRT doctor can help find the form that will most benefit you and your body.

Is BHRT Covered By My Insurance?

Because insurance plans and providers vary considerably, there is no way for us to provide a blanket statement. Your plan may cover BHRT under certain circumstances. The best course of action is to call Dr. Fabbro at (236) 259-0266 to discuss whether we accept your current insurance plan and provider. After you call us, we recommend contacting your insurance provider as a follow-up to ensure that your treatment is covered or to discuss how your treatment may be covered.

Are Bioidentical Hormones Safe?

When prescribed and supervised by a BHRT doctor, BHRT is generally safe. Any risks or side effects associated with your particular treatment will be reviewed thoroughly before you begin BHRT.

What Conditions Are Treated With BHRT?

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is used to treat a number of conditions caused by hormone imbalance or that result in hormone imbalance. In some cases, BHRT is used to treat the underlying condition while in others it is used to treat the symptoms. You can find some common conditions that BHRT may be used to treat listed above.

What If My Question Is Not Listed Here?

Patients often have a great many questions before beginning BHRT. We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have before, during and after treatment. Contact Dr. Fabbro today with any further questions or to schedule your initial consultation.

Start Feeling Better With A Customized BHRT Plan Today!

Vancouver Fibromyalgia Treatment

Don’t Tolerate it–Put Fibromyalgia in It’s Place

Take your life back from fibromyalgia. Call (236) 259-0266 to schedule a consultation and discuss how naturopathic medicine can help you live your best life, free of chronic pain & fatigue.

Maria Fabbro N.D., Vancouver

Personalized Anti-Aging Naturopathic Solutions

Maria Fabbro, N.D. at Total Therapy recognizes that true health extends beyond the absence of disease. At the heart of her practice, Dr. Fabbro embraces the power of naturopathic medicine, offering a unique and synergistic approach to health and wellness in Greater Vancouver. With a deep understanding of the holistic nature of the human body, Dr. Fabbro skillfully combines the healing powers of naturopathic care, bioidentical hormone therapy, IV therapy, advanced diagnostic testing, and more to support and enhance each Burnaby patient’s journey toward optimal health and well-being.

Services Offered by Maria Fabbro, N.D. at Total Therapy: