12 Signs and Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis in Women

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neurological disorder characterized by the immune system's mistaken attack on the myelin sheath— the protective covering of nerve fibers. This assault disrupts the communication between the brain and other body parts and, although progressive, MS manifests differently across individuals and can sometimes lead to fatal complications. Notably, women are more frequently affected by MS, with a reported ratio of approximately 4 to 1 compared to men, as indicated by research from ScienceDaily.com. It is important to recognize the 12 prevalent signs and symptoms found in female patients to facilitate early detection and management of this condition.

Mood Impacts

Women's Health highlights cognitive and emotional challenges as early indicators of multiple sclerosis (MS) in women. Approximately 60% of individuals diagnosed with MS experience emotional distress. Symptoms often manifest as depression, irritability, mood swings, and uncontrolled crying or laughter. On the cognitive spectrum, individuals may face difficulties with memory, multitasking, and concentration.

Loss of Coordination

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition characterized by the immune system erroneously targeting the nervous system, which is responsible for regulating movement and various other bodily functions. Consequently, individuals with MS often encounter challenges with balance and coordination, leading to an increased incidence of clumsiness. Healthline highlights that patients may experience not only difficulty in limb mobility but also in ambulation.

Periods End

Women experiencing disruptions in their menstrual cycle may be encountering a symptom related to immune system challenges, including conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS). According to Women's Health, these health issues can lead to amenorrhea, a condition characterized by the absence of menstruation. While it is not uncommon for menstrual cycles to be irregular or even absent due to stress or a brief illness, a cessation of menstruation extending beyond three months warrants medical consultation to rule out any underlying health concerns.

Feeling Unusual Sensations

According to Women’s Health, multiple sclerosis (MS) may present complex sensory complications. Individuals with MS might experience varying tactile sensations on different areas of their body, such as a distinct feeling when a shirt passes over the chest compared to the stomach. The publication references the case of actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who encountered an unusual feeling in her legs at age 20, which was a precursor to her MS diagnosis. Typically, symptoms often manifest first in the legs and frequently affect the back as well.

Extreme Feelings of Fatigue

MSTrust.org characterizes "MS fatigue" as a profound and abrupt depletion of energy, distinct from ordinary tiredness or exertion-related exhaustion. This type of fatigue can manifest physically, mentally, or as a combination of both, potentially impacting cognitive functions such as short-term memory and verbal expression. While rest may alleviate some symptoms of multiple sclerosis, the fatigue associated with the condition does not respond in the same manner as it does in individuals without MS.

Loss of Color Vision

According to Women’s Health, individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) may experience a decline in their ability to perceive colors, a condition known as optic neuritis. This deterioration of color vision is attributed to the demyelination of the optic nerves. Additionally, MS can lead to partial or total vision loss in one eye. Visual symptoms typically develop gradually, so it is imperative to seek medical attention if significant changes in vision are observed.

Random Nausea or Dizziness

Nausea in women may be attributed to various factors, including pregnancy or dietary indulgences—conditions not unfamiliar to men. However, a symptom specific to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in women may present as nausea accompanied by dizziness, commonly referred to as severe vertigo. This sensation can be likened to the experience of being on a roller coaster or standing at a great height, typically originating from an inner ear disturbance. Despite this, it is important to recognize that episodes of dizziness do not unequivocally indicate MS, as they may also signal the presence of anemia, side effects from medication, hypoglycemia, or hypotension. A healthcare professional should be consulted for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

“Sleepy” Feet

The sensation often described as "pins and needles" can occur from prolonged periods of sitting, which restricts blood circulation. However, should you experience this sensation with an unusual frequency, it may be indicative of an underlying health concern. According to Women’s Health, persistent tingling in the feet, legs, arms, or hands may signal the presence of a condition like multiple sclerosis (MS). Nevertheless, it is important to consider other potential causes, such as peripheral nerve damage, infections, nutritional deficiencies, or thyroid gland irregularities, and seek professional medical advice to determine the precise cause.

Bowel or Bladder Changes

Multiple sclerosis (MS) impairs neural pathways governing bladder and bowel control, leading to increased bathroom frequency, Healthline reports. Complications may encompass difficulties initiating urination, heightened urinary urgency, bladder infections, incontinence, constipation, and diarrhea.

Can’t Distinguish Temperature

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) may experience sensory impairments, such as difficulty in perceiving temperature differences. According to Women's Health, individuals affected by MS might not readily discern the coldness of an ice cube or the temperature of water in a sink, which can be indicative of nerve damage associated with the condition. Should you struggle to assess the temperature of water, for example when preparing a bath, it is advisable to consult a medical professional. Sensory changes, especially related to temperature perception, warrant attention as potential symptoms of MS.

Symptoms Worsen After Menopause

A study cited by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society indicates that approximately 50% of postmenopausal women with MS in England experienced exacerbated symptoms following menopause. Conversely, 75% reported symptom improvement upon receiving hormone replacement therapy. The findings from this modest cohort lend credence to the hypothesis that the decline in estrogen levels post-menopause could negatively influence the progression of MS. Nonetheless, it is important to acknowledge that hormone replacement therapy entails certain risks and further investigation is essential to fully understand its impact on MS.

Improvement During Pregnancy

Healthline provides an encouraging insight into the relationship between multiple sclerosis (MS) and pregnancy. Studies indicate that MS does not compromise female fertility, and many women may experience a stabilization or amelioration of symptoms, particularly in the second and third trimesters. As such, women with MS can be reassured that their condition should not impede their journey toward motherhood. It is important to note, though, that there is a possibility of symptom relapse postpartum.