Symptoms of MS in Women, Identification, and Treatment

Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic medical condition that can cause excessive damage to the central nervous system. It is quite a complex situation characterised by diverse diagnostic symptoms. This disease is unisex and, therefore, can occur in both men and women. But its frequency is 3% higher in females. Many research studies and journals have advocated the fact that varied hormonal factors, genetics, and the immune system are accountable for the higher frequency of this disease in females. If you are a woman around age 50 and want to know everything about Symptoms of MS in Women, you have arrived at the right place. Bookmark everything about this disease mentioned in this post for future reference.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Table of Contents

Even after the emergence of advanced technologies, we are unaware of some grave medical terms. Multiple Sclerosis is also a complex disease that can affect our immune system. It can only trigger females and have a damaging impact on them. Broadly speaking, Multiple Sclerosis is an immune-affecting inflammatory disease that can have a damaging effect on our nervous system.

This disease affects females differently than males. If a person is affected by Multiple Sclerosis, it will directly affect their central nervous system and disrupt the flow of information in the brain. It can also interfere with the smooth passage of information in our bodies. As per the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MS can impact our brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. All these are responsible for controlling our central nervous system.

As per National Multiple Sclerosis, women are three times more prone to the risk of MS. According to statistics, Multiple Sclerosis can have an extremely damaging impact on females if it is not diagnosed at an early pace. Even after advancements in medical science, the fundamental cause of this auto-immune disease is not known. However many research studies and journals indicate the apparent role of female hormones, inflammation, and obesity. Further, in this piece of information we will discuss the Symptoms of MS in Women.

What are the Symptoms of MS in Women?

Well, when it comes to diagnosing Symptoms of MS in Women, There is almost no difference in symptoms based on gender diversity. It indicates that symptoms in both males and females are the same. However, the intensity of certain symptoms is higher in females than in their male counterparts. Several renowned journals and research studies have indicated that because of hormonal effects, females can trigger some additional issues in their bodies.

Menstrual Disturbance

As far as MS in women is concerned, it can be characterised by severe changes in the cycle of menstruation. The frequency of menstruation in women suffering from this disease is quite irregular in females. Moreover, the symptoms of MS increase extensively during menstruation.

Menopause

Women who are suffering from Multiple Sclerosis will have more severe symptoms of MS during menopause. These issues need to be addressed soon, otherwise, this disease will hurt females.

Sexual Issues

Many women who often pass through the tough phase of Multiple Sclerosis in women also notice some sexual issues such as vaginal dryness in them. However, sexual issues also occur in men during MS but they can be quite different than females.

Mood Fluctuations

If a female is suffering from mood fluctuations, it is apparent that they will go through many mood disorders. It can range from their excessive mood swings to depression, and other behavioural dysfunctions.

Tingling in fingers and Numbness

Some symptoms are quite common in both females as well as males. For instance, females also go through problems related to tingling in fingers and even numbness in nerves. This is one of the most common Symptoms of MS in Women.

Vision Problems

Women who are suffering from this chronic disorder, often face vision problems as well. Some women notice blurry vision but if the problem persists, they can also face problems such as double vision, and nystagmus issues characterised by eyes making involuntary movements.

Dizziness

In some folks, dizziness is also a sign of MS and therefore, if you are regularly facing such issues, you cannot overlook as Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.

How is Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosed?

Multiple Sclerosis if occurs in females or males should be diagnosed with the help of appropriate tests.

Neurological Examination

Even if you experience early symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, you must go for a neurological test. When you visit a neurologist, they will examine you for troubling symptoms such as weakness and tingling in the fingers, vision blurriness, facial strength, and facial swelling.

MRI Tests

MRI tests are done by the doctors to evaluate the changes in your brain. Doctors can easily see and evaluate the changes done by MS in your brain like any signs of excessive swelling and inflammation in your brain or spinal cord.

Blood Tests

Many doctors will suggest blood tests to females or even males who are going through Multiple Sclerosis. Doctors suggest these blood tests to rule out the possibility of the other diseases other than MS.

Evoked Potential Tests

Sometimes many females exhibit unusual symptoms, in such a case, your doctors may perform this test to identify the abnormality in your nervous system. In this test, doctors will measure the electrical activity in diverse areas of your brain.

How is Multiple Sclerosis Treated?

Several medications help doctors in treating Multiple Sclerosis. For instance, many doctors prescribe interferon Beta medications and they help to treat MS effectively. These medication helps to reduce inflammation and enhance nerve growth. Interferon Beta medications are either injected in your skin or muscles but they are very effective in treating Multiple Sclerosis. Some other measures to treat MS are as follows.

Symptoms Management Therapies

If any female is suffering from MS and is encountering the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis such as fatigue, numbness, and tingling in fingers, pain, cognitive issues. Doctors will prescribe various medicines and therapies to treat MS.

Complementary Therapies

Many additional complementary therapies will help us to cope with the symptoms of MS. For example, you can opt for acupuncture, yoga, and dietary supplements. But you must first get the approval of these complementary therapies from your doctor.

Plasma Exchange

One of the most appropriate treatments for Multiple Sclerosis is to opt for plasma exchange. In this treatment, doctors will remove the liquid portion of your plasma and then they will be separated from the blood cells. After that, the blood cells are mixed with albumin and then put back into your body.

Lifestyle Changes

If the Symptoms of MS in Women are at its beginning stage, you should incorporate some healthy lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, and alcohol and consuming green leafy vegetables.

Who Gets Multiple Sclerosis?

As per many international journals and reports, and renowned doctors’ panels, Multiple Sclerosis generally occurs between the age of 20 to 50. However, it can also occur in adults and even children. Females are more exposed to risk as compared to their male counterparts. If we delve into current statistics mentioned by per Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, you will find that at least 1 million people in the U.S. are living with this disorder. It is also observed that MS is more common among people who live farther from the equator. The Symptoms of MS in Women are 3 times more common in females as compared to males.

Does Multiple Sclerosis Affect Fertility?

It is a burning question that do multiple sclerosis affects females of reproductive age. There are many different approaches regarding MS’s effect on fertility age. But till now, no consensus can show that multiple sclerosis can affect women of fertility age.

Well, till now there is no consensus achieved as some studies negate the effect of multiple sclerosis on fertility, and others negate the impact of multiple sclerosis on pregnancy. As per sage journals, MS females can lead to fewer pregnancies. Well, if we take a general approach regarding Multiple Sclerosis and its connection with fertility, there is no foolproof evidence to date that suggests that MS minimizes fertility.

Does Multiple Sclerosis Effect Mensuration

Many research studies indicate that Multiple Sclerosis affects mensuration. A research report indicates that at least 43 to 82 percent of women who are suffering from MS complain of worsening these symptoms during their mensuration cycle. The worsening of symptoms can happen at both stages. Either before the mensuration cycle or in between the mensuration cycle.

Apart from this, women with Multiple Sclerosis also observe some severe changes during their menstrual cycle. For example, they will look for many symptoms like mood shifts, loss of interest in sexual intercourse, excessive fatigue, irritation, etc. Therefore, based on several studies we can say that there is always a positive correlation between MS and your menstrual cycle.

When to See a Doctor?

A million-dollar question is when you are going through the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis when you should see the doctor. Whenever you feel that you are experiencing any early symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, you must visit a doctor immediately. The symptoms include tingling and numbness in nerves, pain, blurry vision, and excessive fatigue, you must immediately consult to a doctor.

Conclusion:

We hope that you have now cleared every concept related to Symptoms of MS in Women. As females are more prone to risk of this disease, they should stay active whenever they identify early signs of these diseases. Take good care and don’t forget to visit a doctor asap to minimize the worst impact of these problems.