Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease and inflammatory condition dependent on the immune system that causes a variety of symptoms and MS symptoms in women are different from men. The main cause of this disease is still unknown. After contracting MS, the immune system destroys a type of tissue called myelin. Transmission and reception of signals by nerves cannot be done properly without sufficient myelin. MS affects the nerves in the brain, spinal cord, and eyes, and causes unpredictable physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that vary from person to person and from male to female. Follow this article to learn more about the symptoms of MS in women.
What are the symptoms of MS in women? (Symptoms of MS in women)
MS symptoms in women are usually related to their hormonal levels. Some doctors and researchers believe that low testosterone plays an important role in this disease. Some believe that hormonal fluctuations and changes in women can be the cause of this disease.
Of course, there is still not enough research in this field and more studies are needed to determine the main cause of these differences symptoms of MS. The symptoms of MS in women, which are more common than in men, include menstrual problems and disorders, symptoms related to pregnancy, and menopause problems.
Type of symptoms
Description
Menstrual problems
In women with MS, the symptoms of the disease may worsen during menstruation.
Sexual disorders
Sexual disorders are more common in men with MS and may It includes decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation.
Intestinal disorders
Intestinal problems such as constipation and diarrhea are more common in women with MS.
Subtle differences between MS in men and women
1. Early symptoms of MS in women (early symptoms of MS in women)
MS disease may appear at any age, but is usually seen in adults between the ages of 20 and 40. The onset of MS in women is usually earlier than in men. The initial symptoms of MS in women begin with inflammation of the optic nerve, which is one of the two optic nerves.
Disturbance of the body's immune system and attack on the protective covering of the nerves causes inflammation of the optic nerve and is associated with symptoms such as eye pain with movement, blurred vision, blurred vision, and partial or complete loss of vision. Of course, in most cases, the initial symptoms of MS are almost the same in both men and women:
Sensory disorders such as numbness and tingling, itching and burning
Dubini
Balance problems
fatigue
Headache and dizziness
Bladder problems
The initial symptoms of MS in women start with optic inflammation, which is one of the two optic nerves.
2. Period problems in women with MS
Period problems in women with MS are caused by hormonal changes and effects of the disease on the nervous system and cause the following symptoms:
Intensification of menstrual symptoms such as pain and bloating
Exacerbation of fatigue and weakness associated with MS
Exacerbation of emotional and psychological problems such as anxiety and depression
Mood swings of premenstrual symptoms
English text: Some women find that their periods become more irregular after being diagnosed with MS. It is also possible that for women with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS), relapses are more likely in the few days before your period starts, or around the time of first menstruation text translation: Some women with MS also notice menstrual irregularities after the diagnosis of the disease. In women with relapsing MS, the attacks and severity of relapse will be more in a few days before the period or at the time of the first menstruation.
3. MS and menopausal problems
Apparently, in most women, menopause does not have much effect on MS. For some women, hot flashes may temporarily worsen some MS symptoms. However, in some cases, evidence shows that MS symptoms worsen in women after menopause, although symptoms of the disease naturally worsen with age.
Menopausal symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of MS, and hot flashes and sleep problems will aggravate the symptoms. Finding ways to manage menopause symptoms can also help improve MS symptoms. Many women feel that their MS changes more during menopause.
Menopause and MS problems simultaneously affect women's quality of life. Hormonal changes caused by menopause may exacerbate MS symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and movement problems. Hormonal disorders can lead to restless sleep and insomnia, which also aggravates the symptoms. Menopause causes anxiety and depression and interferes with psychological symptoms of MS. The decrease in estrogen by affecting the bladder function aggravates problems such as urinary incontinence or frequent urination.
4. Numbness and muscle spasm
Other symptoms of MS in women include numbness and muscle spasms. This disease affects the way the patient walks and causes nerve spasm, numbness or sensory disturbance in the lower body, buttocks, legs and ankles. In addition to muscle spasms, numbness of the face, body, hands and feet is one of the most common symptoms of MS in women, and in some, it appears as the first symptom of the disease. Numbness appears in a way that a person does not feel much when touching objects. Numbness is not the same in both legs and it is different.
5. Problem in balance
Difficulty in balance is one of the symptoms of MS in women, which occurs as a result of damage to the central nervous system and disruption of communication between the brain and the body. Patients may feel unsteady when standing or walking, leading to falls or injuries. Balance problems may be accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness or lack of motor coordination. To manage balance problems, physical therapy and special exercises are effective.
Also, using assistive devices such as canes or walkers helps patients to be more independent in their daily activities. Consultation with experts can provide appropriate solutions to improve the balance.
6. Difficulty walking
Among the other symptoms of MS in women, which are also seen in men, is difficulty in walking, which is caused by stiffness and muscle spasms or numbness in the lower body.
7. Shaking hands and feet
Shaking of hands and legs is one of the symptoms of MS in women, which is caused by damage to the central nervous system and disturbance in the control of muscle movements. Tremor can occur during movement or at rest and may negatively affect a person's ability to perform daily activities. This condition can also be accompanied by symptoms such as muscle weakness or lack of movement coordination. The methods of controlling and managing hand and leg tremors include methods such as physical therapy, strengthening exercises, and in some cases, the use of drugs.
MS symptoms in women remain the same or even get better during pregnancy, this improvement of symptoms is especially evident in the third trimester of pregnancy.
8. Symptoms of silent MS in women
The symptoms of this brain and nerve disease are not always obvious and noticeable, which are called silent MS symptoms in women. The most common symptoms of MS in women are fatigue, pain, cognitive problems such as memory loss or problem solving, weakness, blurred vision, numbness, tingling or tingling sensation, sensitivity to heat, dizziness, balance problems, and digestive and bladder control problems.
9. Symptoms of MS in pregnant women
Having this disease does not affect getting pregnant. MS symptoms in women remain the same or even get better during pregnancy, this improvement of symptoms is especially evident in the third trimester of pregnancy. In most cases, MS symptoms are reduced or even eliminated in pregnant women. Even the possibility of recurrence of the disease becomes almost impossible during pregnancy. The reason for this is probably pregnancy hormones, which make the body's immune system work several times harder to protect the fetus.
English text: he disabling effects of the disease may make it physically hard to carry a pregnancy. Muscle weakness and coordination problems may increase the likelihood for falls. Fatigue may get worse. Wheelchair dependence may increase the risk for urinary tract infections Text translation: The debilitating effects of this disease may make pregnancy physically difficult. Muscle weakness and coordination problems may increase the likelihood of falling. Fatigue may worsen. Being dependent on a wheelchair may increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
The main cause of MS in women is still unknown. Various risk factors can cause this disease, including smoking and stress. But the role of female hormones, vitamin D, inflammation and even obesity should not be ignored. Viral infections are cause of MS in some people by stimulating the immune system. In addition, the possibility of MS in women is 2 to 3 times higher than in men, the cause of which is still unknown.
Diagnosis of MS in women
Diagnosis of MS disease in women includes the following steps:
Medical history review: The doctor collects information about the patient by asking about the symptoms, the duration of their appearance, and the family history of autoimmune diseases.
Physical examination that is performed by evaluating the patient's movement abilities, balance and neurological condition.
MRI imaging tests to observe brain and spinal cord injuries
Laboratory tests of cerebrospinal fluid to check inflammation and the presence of antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid
Evaluating nerve function and checking the speed of signal transmission
Accurate and timely diagnosis can help to better manage the disease and start appropriate treatment. Consultation with a neurologist is also necessary.
The doctor collects information about the patient by asking about the symptoms, the duration of their appearance and the family history of autoimmune diseases.>
complications of MS in women
One of the most common complications of MS in women is chronic fatigue, which continues despite adequate rest and affects a person's performance. Movement problems such as muscle weakness, numbness and impaired balance are also common and can increase the risk of falls.
In addition, emotional changes such as depression and anxiety caused by the pressures of the disease are also very common. Sleep problems, including insomnia, can complicate the situation. Also, disorders related to the urinary system, such as urinary incontinence, are among the complications of MS in women, which, if not controlled, can cause a decrease in the quality of life in women.
Conclusion and guide to see a doctor
Considering the serious effects of MS on the daily life of women, it is very important to pay attention to the signs and symptoms of this disease. Among the most common symptoms of MS in women are chronic fatigue, movement problems, emotional changes, and sleep disorders. If symptoms are observed, a neurologist should be consulted to prevent the progression of the disease.
The doctor can make a more accurate diagnosis and provide a more appropriate treatment plan by performing the necessary examinations and related tests. Early diagnosis and effective treatment can help maintain quality of life and prevent disease progression. The good news is that to speed up the treatment process, it is possible to benefit from the services of online brain and neurology consultation.
Your doctor takes care of your health!
Frequently Asked Questions
Women with MS are almost four times as many as men with this disease. Women's immune systems work differently than men's. In particular, women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases.
MS does not seem to affect pregnancy. MS symptoms in women do not change during pregnancy or even get better, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy.
The age of onset of MS in women is between 20 and 40 years old.
Many women experience an exacerbation of their MS symptoms in the two to three days before or after their period. They speak at the beginning of it. After the bleeding starts, their condition usually improves. Some women also find that their periods become more irregular after being diagnosed with MS.
I have started my activity in the field of content production and management since 1995 and I am always eager to face new job opportunities. Getting to know a different world in different fields such as medicine and health also encourages me to follow a healthy lifestyle. That's why I started working with your doctor.
