(I sent this to a friend and thought maybe it might help someone else, too.)

• I would tell your mom to have a hormone test done that tells the exact levels of her hormones. (She may have to hunt to find a doctor who does that. I go to an awesome lady doctor, a D.O. She’s a true blessing!) I have a hormone test done every 4-6 months. My first test, done over a year and a half ago, showed that I was real low in progesterone, and my estrogen/progesterone ratio was way off. It’s important to have a certain ratio of hormones, so my doctor put me on natural, compounded progesterone that the pharmacist makes especially for me. I could tell a big difference in my fibromyalgia after I had been on progesterone for a couple of months.
  
• I also take CoQ10, enzymes, acidophilus, lots of high quality vitamins (fibro inhibits the absorption of vitamins and nutrients so it’s necessary to take high percentages), MSM, kelp, lecithin, magnesium malate , calcium, fish oil and other supplements.
  
• I try to eat more fresh, raw foods and limit processed foods as much as I can, although that’s hard. I especially try to eat raw foods high in enzymes and also lots of fresh fruit. I need to work on doing that more, though.
  
• I take supplemental enzymes to help with my absorption of nutrients.
  
• I make sure I get plenty of lean, quality protein every day for my muscles.
  
• I try to stay away from sugar (that’s also hard) and especially any kind of sugar substitute. One doctor told me that sugar itself is better than any of the sugar substitutes, so that tells you how bad sugar substitutes are. I use “Stevia” for sweetening tea, etc., and I only use KAL brand Pure Stevia Extract that I get at a health food store.
• I try to stay away from things made with white flour as much as possible. I look for whole grains or bread made from sprouted grains.
  
• For hurting muscles, Capzasin is the best topical ointment. It’s hot and runs interference for the pain. You can buy Capzasin at Wal-Mart over the counter.

Hope this helps!
Charla