Multiple sclerosis affects more women than men. The number of cases in women is three times more than cases in men. Since hormones play a significant role in disease, it's no surprise that multiple sclerosis can also affect the menstrual cycle.
Some women with multiple sclerosis will experience changes in menstrual symptoms with increased frequency of premenstrual syndromes (PMS), such as mood changes, fatigue, pain, poor concentration, and loss of sexual desire.
Can multiple sclerosis affect the menstrual cycle?
Based on a study that compared women with multiple sclerosis and women without the condition found that women with multiple sclerosis experienced more irregular menstrual cycles and PMS symptoms. These changes occur because the body temperature will increase slightly during menstruation, even though a slight increase can exacerbate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Hormonal factors may also play a role in the relationship between multiple sclerosis and the menstrual cycle. The reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone in the body control the menstrual cycle and impact multiple sclerosis activity.
Does multiple sclerosis treatment affect the menstrual cycle?
Some medications that control the condition of multiple sclerosis can also affect the menstrual cycle. Beta interferon, a treatment for relapsing conditions, can cause irregular bleeding. It can also make your period come earlier or later than usual.
Can the menstrual cycle affect multiple sclerosis?
The relationship between multiple sclerosis and the menstrual cycle goes both ways. Researchers found that people with multiple sclerosis tended to experience increased motor symptoms, visual disturbances, and coordination problems around three days before their period. This group of symptoms is medically known as pseudoexacerbations. It is often difficult to distinguish symptoms such as weakness, lethargy, and pain, whether they are caused by multiple sclerosis or PMS.
Treatment of multiple sclerosis during menstruation
One way to prevent annoying PMS is to take birth control pills or other hormonal contraception. The hormones present in this remedy can help regulate the menstrual cycle to make it lighter and easier overall.
Medications for multiple sclerosis can also help with some aspects of heavy periods. One of them is a drug for the immune system that can help improve psychological disorders that some women sometimes feel just before a period.
Pregnancy is one of the options for dealing with PMS.
Many women become anxious before their period due to PMS. This is because multiple sclerosis can make menstruation unpredictable and uncomfortable. Not infrequently, menstruation can also be severe in multiple sclerosis symptoms.
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Source:
Watson, S. & Nwadike, V. R. (2020). How Does MS Affect Your Menstrual Cycle? [online]. https://www.healthline.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/ms-and-your-menstrual-cycle-what-to-know