Over 1 million Americans are impacted by multiple sclerosis (MS), and we aimed to explore its symptoms, especially how they appear in women. Continue reading to discover all the essential information about this frequently misunderstood condition and the treatment plans that assist many individuals not only to manage the disease but also to flourish.
What is MS?
"MS is a chronic autoimmune condition"which impacts the central nervous system," says a neurologistMaria K. Houtchens, MD, Associate Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School and Head of Clinical Care at the Brigham MS Center. "The central nervous system consists of three components—the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves—and any or all of these can be impacted."
As time passes, if MS is not managed, the immune system targets the myelin sheath, which is the protective layer surrounding nerve fibers. This results in neurological symptoms, according to Dr. Houtchens. In later stages, the nerve fibers themselves (known as axons) may also be affected, leading to increased disability.
Multiple Sclerosis is more prevalent than people realize.
It might come as a surprise that MS is seen as fairly common. "Many people don't view it that way, but we encounter it frequently in this region—the Northeast, the Pacific Northwest, and it's also more prevalent in Northern Europe," explains Dr. Houtchens. Indeed, the occurrence of MS rises the further you move from the equator in either direction, she notes.
The causes are not fully comprehended, but we believe it may be connected to reducedvitamin Dlevels caused by less sunlight exposure, which may raise the chances of developing MS. Additionally, the occurrence of specific viral factors, such as [the]Epstein-Barr[computer virus associated with Microsoft], is typically more prevalent in colder regions.
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Multiple Sclerosis is more common in women than in men.
MS is usually diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 20 and 40, with women being three times more prone to developing the condition compared to men. "This likely relates to the interaction between hormones—particularly female sex steroids such as estrogen—and how the immune system operates," says Dr. Houtchens.
A significant distinction between the genders regarding MS is that "women often display more resilience and delay seeking medical help," according to Dr. Houtchens. "I believe women frequently act as caregivers and may neglect their own well-being. This is a crucial point I want to emphasize: Women must allocate time for themselves. They should focus on their mental and physical health and show compassion towards themselves—particularly if they have been diagnosed with this condition."
Another potential explanation, according to Dr. Houtchens, is that "the condition tends to manifest in more nuanced ways for women. They might encounter less severe sensory issues like changes in vision, whereas men are more commonly seen with motor-related challenges like difficulty walking—though this isn't solely limited to men." Additionally, she notes that women are often overlooked when they report symptoms, with their concerns frequently linked to "tiredness" or "stress," while men's reports are typically regarded with greater seriousness.
3 typical MS indicators in females
Although initial symptoms can differ based on the location of MS lesions, Dr. Houtchens outlines several key indicators of the condition:
Deteriorating eyesight in one eye
Also referred to as optic neuritis, this visual issue is often accompanied by pain, yet it typically resolves on its own, according to Dr. Houtchens.
Changes in feeling on one side of the body
"You could experience weakness on one side of your body, either in a vertical or horizontal direction, affecting one arm and one leg, or both legs," explains Dr. Houtchens regarding this typical symptom of MS.
Reduced sexual function and changes in urinary or digestive function
This symptom of MS is important for women to be aware of, as they should definitely consult their neurologistandtheir obstetrician to find out what they can do to address these issues [including reduced interest andvaginal dryness]," says Dr. Houtchens.
Other typical symptoms of MS, she notes, are brain fog or difficulty concentrating, tiredness, and issues with balance. Dr. Houtchens highlights that although not every single symptom—like tiredness—necessarily means you should see your doctor, "if you have weakness in your legs, vision problems, or changes in sensation,"unexpected bladder or balance problems, make sure to consult your physician."
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Is MS genetic?
If you have a close relative, such as a mother, father, or sibling, who has been affected, there is a slightly higher risk of developing MS," says Dr. Houtchens. "However, it's not a standard genetic disorder, which means you won't pass it on in the same way as other conditions likeHuntington's disease."
What if two individuals both have MS and decide to have children? "In such a scenario, the child has approximately a 25 percent chance of developing the condition, which is significantly higher. However, generally, if one of your parents or siblings has it, your risk is much lower."
There are numerous therapeutic approaches available for MS
Fortunately, MS has minimal impact on life expectancy, says Dr. Houtchens. "People are much more likely to die" with"the disease rather than from it," she says. "This is crucial for people to understand when they get the diagnosis, as applying for life insurance could lead to rejection. However, I believe this is a wrong assumption by the insurance companies." Knowing this information can assist you in considering your choices, she adds.
Although there is currently no cure for MS, there are numerous treatment choices available. "During my time in medical school, we only had one medication for MS. By the time I completed my residency, we had around three drugs—and now there are 23 treatments," says Dr. Houtchens. "There has been a significant increase in how we manage this condition, which has been great for our patients."
These treatments differ significantly based on various factors, such as the type of MS: relapsing-remitting, active secondary progressive, or primary progressive. Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis is far more prevalent and marked by "flare-ups," according to Dr. Houtchens, and we have effective methods for managing this type. In contrast, primary progressive MS is more frequently seen in men and, regrettably, has only one FDA-approved treatment available.
Some of our patients, as they age and have lived with the condition for many years, might move from relapsing MS to the progressive stage, referred to as secondary progressive MS," she explains. "Due to these differences, there are distinct treatment methods and recommendations for each type of the condition.
Looking forward to additional advancements
Our most significant unmet requirement is the progression of disability," states Dr. Houtchens, emphasizing that although medical professionals excel in managing relapsing MS, "we are still striving to improve our approach to treating disability progression or even reversing it. I hope that within the next decade, we will witness substantial progress.
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This information should not be used in place of professional medical guidance or evaluation. Always speak with your doctor before following any treatment regimen..