McGill University-led research has discovered that transplanting gut microbiota from women with fibromyalgia into mice induces pain, immune activation, metabolomic changes, and reduced skin innervation.

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. Fibromyalgia affects 2% to 4% of the population, primarily women, and is characterized by chronic widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disruptions, and cognitive difficulties. Most patients suffer from significant symptoms that negatively impact quality of life.