Study finds menopause has huge effect on MS

A new study conducted by researchers at UC San Francisco has found that menopause accelerates the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), with significant impacts on walking ability, fine motor skills, and cognitive function.

The study followed 184 women before and after menopause, using data from two UCSF studies – EPIC and ORIGINS – that investigate the causes and progression of MS. Participants were evaluated annually over an average of 13 years, with researchers utilising the MS Functional Composite (MSFC) to assess walking speed and other tasks.

Key findings revealed that after menopause, participants experienced slower walking speeds, taking longer to complete a 25-foot walk. These changes persisted even after accounting for variables such as age, weight, and tobacco use. Additionally, more subtle declines were noted in fine motor skills and cognitive performance, highlighting the broader impact of menopause on MS progression.

The study also identified an increase in neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels in the blood following menopause. This biomarker, associated with nerve cell degeneration, is a hallmark of advancing MS and further corroborates the observed declines in physical and cognitive function.

Despite these findings, the role of hormone therapy in mitigating MS progression remains unclear. Only 31 of the 184 participants (17%) used estrogen therapy, providing an insufficient sample size to determine its potential benefits. This highlights the need for further investigation into hormone-based treatments for women with MS.

Previous research suggests that sex hormones may offer neuroprotective effects. Animal studies have supported this theory, and limited trials in men with MS have shown promising results with testosterone. These findings emphasize the importance of exploring hormonal therapies as a potential strategy for managing MS in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.