Menopause Does Not Worsen Disability Accumulation in Women With MS, Study Shows

Menopause does not have long term implications for multiple sclerosis (MS) disease progression, but it is still possible that menopause symptoms may exacerbate symptoms women have associated with their MS, such as hot flashes, according to Francesca Bridge, MBBS, neurologist at Alfred Health in Melbourne, Australia, and Ph.D. candidate at Monash University, and lead author of a recent study published in JAMA Neurology.

During an interview with Managed Healthcare Executive, Bridge said this finding is a relief for menopausal women with MS, who are often left with unaddressed concerns over disease progression. She also said that some of lifestyle modifications to manage menopause symptoms, such as maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular physical exercise, can lessen MS symptoms as well.