Study Finds Menopause Does Not Accelerate Disability in Women with Multiple Sclerosis

Recent research has shed light on the relationship between menopause and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), revealing that menopause does not contribute to an increased risk of disability progression in women with MS. This large-scale study, the most comprehensive of its kind, analyzed data from the MSBase Registry, which tracks over 120,000 MS patients globally, along with a specific cohort of 987 Australian women with MS followed for over 14 years.

Prior studies had produced conflicting results, often limited by small sample sizes involving between 74 and 148 post-menopausal women. These smaller studies suggested potential links between hormonal changes during menopause and MS progression, but their findings were inconclusive.

Led by Associate Professor Vilija Jokubaitis of Monash University, the study aimed to clarify whether the hormonal fluctuations during menopause influence MS disability. The findings indicate that menopause itself is not associated with an increased risk of accumulating disability in women with MS. Instead, the often observed increase in disability around age 50 appears to be related to the natural aging process, not menopause.

This research provides reassurance for women with MS and their healthcare providers, highlighting that menopausal transition does not accelerate disease worsening. As Dr. Francesca Bridge, the study’s first author, notes, this information will help guide clinical management, easing concerns about menopause affecting MS outcomes.

Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood changes, memory issues, and urinary problems often overlap with MS symptoms, making management challenging. The study emphasizes the importance of holistic approaches, including lifestyle modifications like exercise and healthy diets, alongside medical therapies such as menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and non-hormonal options, to improve quality of life for women undergoing menopause.

In conclusion, the findings suggest that menopause does not directly impact the trajectory of MS disability, allowing women to focus on effective symptom management without concern for accelerating disease progression. This research marks a significant advancement in understanding MS and menopause, supporting informed, confident clinical decisions for women affected by both conditions.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-multiple-sclerosis-worsen-menopause-symptoms.html