What Could be Causing Raynaud's Phenomenon?

What Causes Raynaud's Phenomenon?

To successfully treat and prevent recurrence of Raynaud's phenomenon we need to understand and — if possible — remove the underlying causes and risk factors. We need to ask: "What else is going on inside the body that might allow Raynaud's phenomenon to develop?"

Diagnose your symptoms now!

understand what's happening to your body
check your overall health status
identify any nutritional deficiencies

Accurate diagnosis of the factors behind Raynaud's phenomenon consists of three steps:

Step 1: List the Possible Causative Factors

Identify all disease conditions, lifestyle choices and environmental risk factors that can lead to Raynaud's phenomenon. Here are five possibilities:

Lupus (SLE)
Silicone Disease
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
Dermatomyositis
Chronic Fatigue-Fibromyalgia

Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist

Identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:

seizures

severe muscle weakness

severe non-specific arm pain

having foamy urine

joint pain/swelling/stiffness

muscle pains in family members

inflamed cuticles

frequent sore throats

frequent unexplained fevers

morning stiffness lasting hours

unsound sleep

mouth sores

... and more than 70 others

Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause

A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of Raynaud's phenomenon:

Cause	Probability	Status
Chronic Fatigue-Fibromyalgia	98%	Confirm
Lupus (SLE)	18%	Unlikely
Dermatomyositis	5%	Ruled out
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity	3%	Ruled out
Silicone Disease	0%	Ruled out

* This is a simple example to illustrate the process

Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis

The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.

In the Cardiovascular Symptoms section of the questionnaire, The Analyst™ will ask the following question about Raynaud's phenomenon:

Do you have Raynaud's Phenomenon (extreme loss of circulation to fingers and/or toes)?

Possible responses:

→ No / don't know
→ Probably had it / minor episode(s) now resolved
→ Major episode(s) now resolved
→ Current minor problem
→ Current major problem

Based on your response to this question, which may indicate either history of Raynaud's phenomenon or Raynaud's phenomenon, The Analyst™ will consider possibilities such as:

Dermatomyositis

Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Raynaud's phenomenon is found in between 30% to 50% of CFS/FMS sufferers.

Environmental Illness / MCS

Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

Raynaud's phenomenon has been observed in 17-30% of patients with SLE, depending on the study.

Silicone Breast Implant Problems

Concerned or curious about your health? Try The Analyst™