

Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast
Dr. Michael Lenz MD
When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. In the exam room, time is limited. But the need for understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia is vast. That’s why I created this space: to offer deeper education, validation, and hope.If you’ve been told that fibromyalgia "isn’t real'" or that it’s "all in your head," I want you to know: I see you. I believe you. And you're not alone. This podcast is here to affirm what you’ve lived through and to explain the science behind what you’re experiencing.Whether you're living with fibromyalgia, supporting someone who is, or a healthcare professional seeking to better serve your patients, I hope you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insight drawn from my 28+ years as a medical doctor, pediatrician, internist, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist.Together, let’s bring compassion and clarity to a condition that’s too often misunderstood—and help make the invisible, visible. You can learn more at www.conqueringyourfibromyalgia.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 7, 2022 • 28min
EP 72 Sleep Hygiene. The Good sleep habits to help you live well. Fibro and Sleep Part 5
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Good sleep routines, known as sleep hygiene, can promote healthy sleep, but poor sleep habits can worsen restorative sleep. This week's episode will look at the nonmedication treatment of sleep problems. Management of Fibro and related problems involves multiple approaches working simultaneously to reduce pain, fatigue, and brain fog, and sleep is an important one to keep in mind.Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book "Conquering Your Fibromyalgia: Real Answers and Real Solutions for Real Pain. " It is also available on audiobook with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics, you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, it is likely that hundreds of others have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has done on fibromyalgia. Remember, this podcast is meant for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should NOT be interpreted as medical advice for any medical condition or individual. It is also not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. The content presented is a starting point in your research and a helpful guide when discussing your circumstances with your trusted medical providers. All listeners are strongly urged to seek medical attention and guidance regarding symptoms and health concerns. Click here for the YouTube channel Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...

Nov 30, 2022 • 26min
Ep. 71 The connections between sleep deprivation, emotional eating, ADHD, and PTSD. Sleep and Fibro Part 4
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this week's episode, we look at the impact sleep deprivation has on emotional eating and weight gain, which can worsen underlying conditions more common in those with fibromyalgia, like sleep apnea. We also look at the impact of ADHD and PTSD, which involve our emotions, on our ability to get good restorative sleep.Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book "Conquering Your Fibromyalgia: Real Answers and Real Solutions for Real Pain. " It is also available on audiobook with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics, you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, it is likely that hundreds of others have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has done on fibromyalgia. Remember, this podcast is meant for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should NOT be interpreted as medical advice for any medical condition or individual. It is also not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. The content presented is a starting point in your research and a helpful guide when discussing your circumstances with your trusted medical providers. All listeners are strongly urged to seek medical attention and guidance regarding symptoms and health concerns.Links to a study discussed in this episode Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...

Nov 23, 2022 • 25min
Ep.70 Do you have sleep apnea making your Fibro worse? Sleep and Fibro Part 3
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Today we continue the conversation around sleep and fibromyalgia by looking into sleep apnea, another common medical condition in those with fibromyalgia.While fibromyalgia is more common in women than men, sleep apnea is often considered in men, being eight times more likely to be recognized than in women. There are different reasons for this. Men are likelier to have classic sleep apnea symptoms such as snoring, witnessed apnea, and daytime sleepiness. Women are more likely to have less obvious symptoms like morning headaches, fatigue, insomnia, and exhaustion. These symptoms are more easily recognized as depression and fibromyalgia. For show notes, click here.Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book "Conquering Your Fibromyalgia: Real Answers and Real Solutions for Real Pain. " It is also available on audiobook with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics, you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, it is likely that hundreds of others have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has done on fibromyalgia. Remember, this podcast is meant for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should NOT be interpreted as medical advice for any medical condition or individual. It is also not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. The content presented is a starting point in your research and a helpful guide when discussi Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...

Nov 16, 2022 • 24min
Ep 69. Why do I hurt after sleeping and feel unrefreshed? Sleep and Fibro Part 2
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Like many with fibromyalgia, you may wonder, "why don't I sleep well? Why am I exhausted even after sleeping for 7-9 hours? Why do I get "sore" from sleeping? Why is sleeping painful? I'll finally get some awful pain to subside; I drift off into bliss eventually…. But then, when I wake up from sleep, I'm wincing from horrible pain before my eyes are even open. How am I in more pain than when I went to sleep?"In this week's episode, we will consider these questions and others, such as which comes first, poor sleep leading to pain or pain leading to poor sleep? Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book "Conquering Your Fibromyalgia: Real Answers and Real Solutions for Real Pain. " It is also available on audiobook with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics, you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, it is likely that hundreds of others have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has done on fibromyalgia. Remember, this podcast is meant for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should NOT be interpreted as medical advice for any medical condition or individual. It is also not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. The content presented is a starting point in your research and a helpful guide when discussing your circumstances with your trusted medical providers. All listeners are strongly urged to seek medical attention and guidance regarding symptoms and health concerns. Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...

Nov 9, 2022 • 24min
Ep 68. Restless Leg Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder and Fibro. Sleep and Fibromyalgia Part 1.
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions This is the first part of a more in-depth discussion on sleep and fibromyalgia that I spoke at on November 5th for the virtual Fibromyalgia Care Conference. This week you'll hear an in-depth discussion on restless leg syndrome and periodic limb disorder, which are common in those with fibro, but typically not recognized, let alone diagnosed or treated. Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book "Conquering Your Fibromyalgia: Real Answers and Real Solutions for Real Pain. " It is also available on audiobook with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, it is likely that hundreds of others have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has done on fibromyalgia. Remember, this podcast is meant for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should NOT be interpreted as medical advice for any medical condition or individual. It is also not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. The content presented is a starting point in your research and a helpful guide when discussing your circumstances with your trusted medical providers. All listeners are strongly urged to seek medical attention and guidance regarding symptoms and health concerns. Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...

Nov 2, 2022 • 25min
Ep 67. Adam's journey from Chronic Lyme Diagnosis to Fibromyalgia and recovery. Part 3
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions This is the third part of a 3 part series of an interview with Adam, a patient of mine who went through 8 challenging years after being originally diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease and seeing no improvements. His subsequent journey will resonate with many, but the reversal of his fibromyalgia inspires and offers hope for those stuck in despair. Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book "Conquering Your Fibromyalgia: Real Answers and Real Solutions for Real Pain. " It is also available on audiobook with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, it is likely that hundreds of others have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has done on fibromyalgia. Remember, this podcast is meant for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should NOT be interpreted as medical advice for any medical condition or individual. It is also not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. The content presented is a starting point in your research and a helpful guide when discussing your circumstances with your trusted medical providers. All listeners are strongly urged to seek medical attention and guidance regarding symptoms and health concerns. Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...

Oct 26, 2022 • 26min
Ep 66. Adam's journey from Chronic Lyme Diagnosis to Fibromyalgia and recovery. Part 2
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions This is the second part of a series of an interview with Adam, a patient of mine who went through 8 challenging years after being originally diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease and seeing no improvements. His subsequent journey will resonate with many, but the reversal of his fibromyalgia inspires and offers hope for those stuck in despair. Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book "Conquering Your Fibromyalgia: Real Answers and Real Solutions for Real Pain. " It is also available on audiobook with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, it is likely that hundreds of others have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has done on fibromyalgia. Remember, this podcast is meant for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should NOT be interpreted as medical advice for any medical condition or individual. It is also not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. The content presented is a starting point in your research and a helpful guide when discussing your circumstances with your trusted medical providers. All listeners are strongly urged to seek medical attention and guidance regarding symptoms and health concerns. Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...

Oct 19, 2022 • 30min
Ep. 65 "Maybe I don't have Chronic Lyme." Adam's 8 year journey from a diagnosis of Chronic Lyme to Fibromyalgia and then Recovery. Part 1
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions This week we start a series with an interview with Adam, a patient of mine who went through 8 challenging years after being originally diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease and seeing no improvements. His subsequent journey will resonate with many, but the reversal of his fibromyalgia inspires and offers hope for those stuck in despair. Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book "Conquering Your Fibromyalgia: Real Answers and Real Solutions for Real Pain. " It is also available on audiobook with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, it is likely that hundreds of others have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has done on fibromyalgia. Remember, this podcast is meant for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should NOT be interpreted as medical advice for any medical condition or individual. It is also not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. The content presented is a starting point in your research and a helpful guide when discussing your circumstances with your trusted medical providers. All listeners are strongly urged to seek medical attention and guidance regarding symptoms and health concerns. Click here for the YouTube channel Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...

Oct 12, 2022 • 30min
Ep. 64. Chronic Lyme. Real Answers. Real understanding. Real hope. Part 4
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this week's episode, we hear some of the struggles people with Chronic Lyme identify with. A study from John Hopkins Lyme Research Center on the development of post-Lyme Treatment Syndrome after acute Lyme is discussed. A fair number have persistent symptoms despite appropriate treatment. We also discuss cytokines, the molecules that are released when our immune system is activated, and their impact on chronic symptoms.Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book "Conquering Your Fibromyalgia: Real Answers and Real Solutions for Real Pain. " It is also available on audiobook with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics, you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, it is likely that hundreds of others have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has done on fibromyalgia. Remember, this podcast is meant for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should NOT be interpreted as medical advice for any medical condition and individual. It is also not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. The content presented is a starting point in your research and a helpful guide when discussing your circumstances with your trusted medical providers. All listeners are strongly urged to seek medical attention and guidance regarding symptoms and health concerns. Click here for the YouTube channel Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...

Oct 5, 2022 • 30min
Ep. 63 Chronic Lyme and Post Treatment Lyme disease Syndrome. Part 3
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this week's episode, we discuss some claims about Chronic Lyme taking a deep dive into some of the science. What is Post-treatment Lyme disease Syndrome? Is it related to Long Haul COVID Syndrome? Is there a connection between these and fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome? Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book "Conquering Your Fibromyalgia: Real Answers and Real Solutions for Real Pain. " It is also available on audiobook with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics, you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, it is likely that hundreds of others have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has done on fibromyalgia. Remember, this podcast is meant for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should NOT be interpreted as medical advice for any medical condition and individual. It is also not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. The content presented is a starting point in your research and a helpful guide when discussing your circumstances with your trusted medical providers. All listeners are strongly urged to seek medical attention and guidance regarding symptoms and health concerns. Click here for the YouTube channel Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...