Is fibromyalgia part of menopause?

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I was reading an article today about the new drug that was approved for fibromyalgia pain - Lyrica - http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/health/14pain.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&th&emc=th However, some of the comments made in the article - "fibromyalgia primarily affects middle-aged women and is characterized by chronic, widespread pain of unknown origin. Many of its sufferers are afflicted by other similarly nebulous conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome" and "A survey of 2,500 fibromyalgia patients published in 2007 by the National Fibromyalgia Association indicated that 63 percent reported suffering from back pain, 40 percent from chronic fatigue syndrome, and 30 percent from ringing in the ears, among other conditions." reminded me of research I have been doing for a series of article that I am writing in my blog about menopause and menopause remedies. Perimenopause starts as early as the late 30's and early 40's and can last up to 10 years before a woman actually reached menopause. During this time overall hormone levels start to decline; but, may actually fluctuate up and down. Symptoms of perimenopause include: Aching, sore joints, muscles and tendons Crashing fatigue Electric shock sensation under the skin and in the head Gastrointestinal distress, indigestion, flatulence, gas pain, nausea Increased tension in muscles Sudden bouts of bloat Tinnitus: ringing in ears, bells, 'whooshing,' buzzing etc. along with many other possible symptoms. So, if any of you have fibromyalgia, what do you think? Is it POSSIBLE that the medical profession may be on the wrong track and that this is actually a hormonal problem? Is it possible that using remedies for menopause are what is actually needed to reverse this condition and bring pain relief instead of expensive drugs that cause additional side effects?