There are more than 150,000 people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the UK alone.
The health condition, which can affect both the brain and spinal cord, is also two to three times more common in women than it is in men, and some studies suggest that prevalence in women is increasing, according to the MS Trust.
So, without further ado, let's take a look into the little-known symptoms of MS to look out for that only affect women.
What is MS?
MS is a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be mild.
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It's also an autoimmune condition which means that when something goes wrong with the immune system, it mistakenly attacks a healthy part of the body – in this case, the brain or spinal cord of the nervous system.
In MS, the immune system attacks the layer that surrounds and protects the nerves called the myelin sheath.
"This damages and scars the sheath, and potentially the underlying nerves, meaning that messages travelling along the nerves become slowed or disrupted," the NHS notes.
What are the symptoms of MS?
The NHS explains that it can cause a wide range of potential symptoms which can vary widely from person to person and can affect any part of the body.
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The main symptoms include:
- fatigue
- difficulty walking
- vision problems, such as blurred vision
- problems controlling the bladder
- numbness or tingling in different parts of the body
- muscle stiffness and spasms
- problems with balance and co-ordination
- problems with thinking, learning and planning
What are the symptoms of MS in women?
According to WebMD, diseases that affect the immune system are often 'more severe' in men.
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"For example, MS affects many more women than men overall, but when it comes to the primary progressive form (PPMS), men get it in equal numbers to women," the site explains. "PPMS tends to be harder to diagnose and treat than the relapsing remitting form of MS."
Just like heart attacks, the signs of MS in women differ vastly from those in men.
According to Very Well Health, hormones may play in a role in why women are more susceptible to MS.
Menstrual Problems
The site explains: "Females with MS often experience more MS symptoms around the time they are going through premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and during their period.
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"Before you get your period, sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) decline, which can trigger symptoms of both PMS and MS."
This then suggests that hormones not only regulate your menstrual cycle but may play a role in MS activity in the body.
The publication adds: "If you have irregular cycles, MS may be the cause. Research shows that an MS diagnosis is linked to irregular periods in some people."
Pregnancy-Related Symptoms
MS 'does not seem' to reduce the chances of getting pregnant and carrying a pregnancy to term, the site says.
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Research showing that MS relapses decreased during pregnancy and increased back up to pre-pregnancy rates by three months postpartum.
The site recommends speaking with a doctor about possible treatment options if you plan on getting pregnant.
Menopause
Women may also experience a 'worsening' of symptoms after menopause as, during this period, oestrogen levels drop 'dramatically'.
The decline of oestrogen levels in the body also shares symptoms with MS including; bladder problems, decline in sexual arousal, depression, fatigue, mood swings and trouble concentrating.
You can find out more about MS here.
Rhiannon Ingle