Why Everyone with Fibromyalgia/ME/CFS Should Consider Mould Illness

If you live with any of the above or a similar chronic fatigue-and-pain condition, you should strongly consider whether mould illness could be a hidden factor contributing to your symptoms.

A key research paper from 2013 showed that a vast majority of ME/CFS patients had mycotoxins present in their urine.

Because mould illness and fibromyalgia/ME/CFS share so many symptoms—fatigue, pain, brain fog—it may be an overlooked root cause.

Why You Need to Consider Mould Illness

Key takeaway:

Mould exposure may be an under-recognised trigger for fibromyalgia/ME/CFS-type illness.

People with fibromyalgia or ME/CFS often struggle for answers. Standard treatments sometimes help, but many still feel the core driver of their illness isn’t fully addressed. Exploring the possibility of mould illness may uncover an essential piece of the puzzle.

What the Research Reveals

Key takeaway:

Strong associations exist between mycotoxin exposure and ME/CFS/fibromyalgia populations.

In a 2013 study published in Toxins (Brewer JH et al., 2013*), researchers found that 93% of patients diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome tested positive for at least one mycotoxin. What’s even more impressive is that their symptoms went away after undertaking a mould illness protocol.

These findings do not prove causation – after all, it’s only one study – but they do raise compelling questions about the role of mould toxins in these conditions.

How Symptoms Overlap Between Mould Illness and Fibromyalgia/ME/CFS

Key takeaway:

Many hallmark symptoms are shared, making mould illness a plausible hidden factor.

Here are some of the overlapping features:

  • Persistent, debilitating fatigue and unrefreshing sleep
  • Widespread muscle aches, joint pain, tender points (seen in fibromyalgia)
  • Cognitive problems such as brain fog, poor memory and concentration
  • Mood and sleep disturbances, sensitivity to light or sound
  • Sensations of being unwell, often with no clear trigger or full recovery

Because these symptoms align so closely, people diagnosed with fibromyalgia/ME/CFS may unknowingly have mould-related toxicity contributing to their condition.

How to Investigate the Possibility of Mould Illness

Key takeaway:

A few simple steps can clarify whether mould may be a contributing factor.

Here’s a step-by-step approach:

  1. Evaluate your environment: Have you ever lived/worked in a water-damaged building, with persistent damp, leaks or mould growth?
  2. Take the Mould Illness Questionnaire
  3. Consider testing – Even if you don’t recall a mould exposure, if your questionnaire results suggest mould illness, a urinary mycotoxin test can provide clarity.  You can read more about testing here OR order a test here.
  4. Continue your current treatment plan – Explore this additional factor while maintaining your fibromyalgia/ME/CFS care strategy—not instead of it. Never abandon your medical care without consulting with your primary care provider.

Final Thoughts: Hope Through a Broader Lens

Key takeaway:

Identifying mould illness gives you new options for your health.

Getting Help with Mould Illness

If you’ve felt stuck with fibromyalgia or ME/CFS for some time and traditional treatments haven’t fully delivered, it’s completely understandable to feel frustrated. Considering mould illness may open up new possibilities: a different lens, a new avenue of investigation, the chance to address another underlying factor.

You’re not alone. There is help and clarity available.

If you want to learn more, you can download our free ebook Is Mould Making You Unwell?, or contact us directly and we’ll help you get the help you need.

*Brewer JH, Thrasher JD, Straus DC, Madison RA, Hooper DC. Detection of Mycotoxins in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Toxins. 2013;5(4):605‑617.