Differential Diagnosis for Woman with Generalized Muscle Pain and Fatigue

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Fibromyalgia: This condition is characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and tender points. It is a common cause of generalized muscle pain and fatigue in women, and its diagnosis is often based on clinical criteria.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Hypothyroidism: This condition can cause muscle pain, fatigue, and weakness due to decreased thyroid hormone production. It is more common in women and can be diagnosed with thyroid function tests.
• Anemia: Iron deficiency anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and muscle pain. It is a common condition in women, especially those with heavy menstrual periods.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: This condition is characterized by persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest. It can also cause muscle pain and is more common in women.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This autoimmune disease can cause muscle pain, fatigue, and joint pain. It is more common in women and can be diagnosed with laboratory tests and clinical evaluation.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Lupus: Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that can cause muscle pain, fatigue, and joint pain. It can also cause life-threatening complications if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
• Multiple Myeloma: This type of blood cancer can cause muscle pain, fatigue, and weakness. It is more common in older adults, but can occur in younger women.
• HIV/AIDS: Human immunodeficiency virus infection can cause muscle pain, fatigue, and weakness. It is a life-threatening condition if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
• Lyme Disease: This tick-borne illness can cause muscle pain, fatigue, and joint pain. It can also cause life-threatening complications if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

Rare Diagnoses

• Polymyalgia Rheumatica: This condition is characterized by muscle pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders and hips. It is more common in older adults, but can occur in younger women.
• Dermatomyositis: This autoimmune disease can cause muscle pain, fatigue, and skin rash. It is a rare condition, but can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
• Mitochondrial Myopathies: These are a group of rare genetic disorders that can cause muscle pain, fatigue, and weakness. They can be diagnosed with laboratory tests and genetic analysis.
• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: This group of genetic disorders can cause muscle pain, fatigue, and joint hypermobility. They are rare conditions, but can be diagnosed with clinical evaluation and genetic analysis.