Menopause and MS
I would like to know if there are any ladies that can shed some light on how menopause impacted your MS symptoms? I have had MS for 32 years and consider myself lucky that I still have my independence and function without assistance. Since entering menopause I have noticed a rapid increase in symptoms that were otherwise minimal. Any insight would be helpful?
Hi,
! I am glad you took the time to post here, as hormones and MS seems to be an issue that is really important (but sometimes poorly understood) to women in the MS community. I hope as more research is done, there will be greater understanding and support for women entering menopause. Here's one article on the topic -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/moving-menopause-ms-double-pleasure-double-fun. It does seem like hormonal shifts can definitely cause MS symptoms to flare up, so you're definitely not alone there! Have you talked to your doctor or gynecologist about this? Are you open to trying hormone replacement or other treatments for menopause? I would definitely talk to your doctors (if you haven't already done so) to see if getting some of the menopause issues under control could help with the MS flare ups as well.
Good luck and please know you are welcome here anytime if you have more questions or just need to vent.
Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.Erin, thanks for the info. I was reluctant to try hormones but have decided to give them a shot. I am already heat intolerant and the hot flashes/night sweats are not helping and seem to exacerbate the MS symptoms.
, I understand! I am not quite there yet (menopausal, I mean. But definitely getting there), but I know it's not a decision to be made lightly. I hope you HRT works well for you, with minimal side effects!
Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.
I have not had period since 2021. I cannot see a GYN because since my surgery in 2023 I cannot move my butt muscles or hip muscles to get up from bed or my wheelchair. I use my husband and/or my Pt to help me move from bed to wheelchair. It is pretty embarrassing when I have to go to the bathroom to have my husband help me all the time. Thankfully when I go pee I have a SUPERPUBIC (spelling) catheter. I guess as little long as it is my husband not embarrassing except that is me alone time going to the bathroom. Thankfully I have only had night sweats a couple of times and it happens right before I go to bed. I am surprised I am not like my mother who used to get her bed wet every night do to night sweats. I also found out no wish of mine that menopause is not as bad if you never gave birth.
Every single hot flash triggers MS flu symptoms: fever, nausea, fatigue and weakness. I actually get a high temperature and I get to relive it multiple times each day.
