OK, I am taking a non-scientific poll(and hoping there's a private option, when I follow through on completing this).

What I am curious to know, as I've often heard how the onset of Menopause carries forth a worsening of MS symptoms and progression of illness, is did it affect you? Did it not affect you? Did things get better? Other?

I'm approaching 40 here. Have had my ON flares, through the years, I know what my brain looks like, on an MRI. (it's not pretty) and I realize that no one seems to know, yet, some articles and blogs say it 'can get worse'. I may have 10 more years, I may have 11 more years, I may have 1 more year, that's also the tricky part, as no one seems to know menopause expectancy, other than to look at family history as an indicator.

And yes, in a way, I want to plead for my health and wellness with more natural Vitamin D. (aka sunlight)(yes, I've my own motivations, hence wanting a private poll, with comments for whoever feels like it, and whoever doesn't, that's fine by me as well. More about numbers.

I had a total hysterectomy in 2012 so I was thrust into menopause unnaturally. But I have not taken any hormones and I have not had any of the symptoms that are common with menopause. No hot flashes, no mood swings. Maybe all that will come later? Not sure.....but I have enough to deal with by having MS.
I'm just enjoying life without having to make my plans based on what day of the month it is.

Hi Gladys! Good question/poll. I was dx w/MS in 1987. In 2004 had total hysterectomy. Surgical menopause! yeah! yes everyone around me knew I went directly to menopause lol. Took HRT for a number of years but the surgery (and I've had a number of major surgeries) put me into the worst relapse I'd had up to that point. And most of the damage stuck. I believe that it when I "graduated" to Secondary. At this point its hard to tell if I'm having a menopause mood or an MS mood but nonetheless, I have a heart condition that prevents me from taking any AD or mood stabilizers. Big bummer. Because many of the AD also help with nerve pain (Cymbalta/Effexor/others I think) so that's not good.

I am going to assume/guess/hope that all of the respondents to your poll were women? lol.....

Momentum Magazine had an article about Menopause and MS. I can't remember the specifics of the article as it was quite some time ago. I tried, quickly, searching their site and didn't find anything so the article must have been archived.

I do remember something about the difficulty in determining MS symptoms vs. menopause symptoms and the challenges to both patient and physician.

As for me, I have not gone through menopause yet.

Hi GladysD

I'm not there yet but definitely heading in that direction. I'm 53 and feel much better when I skip months. I am hoping that means I will do better MS wise once I become menopausal.

I don't worry about what might happen at menopause and just pray my MS will continue as it has for years. I don't put much faith in articles that indicate MS becomes worse at menopause. I tend to not fit into statistics where MS is concerned.

Only time will tell.

I never noticed my monthly cycle or menopause having any effect on my MS.
I did have early menopause (41), though. Don't know if that had anything to
do with my illness? My Mother also had early menopause. DD is 44 this week,
has MS and still having her monthly cycle. Her MS is in remission.

Thanks for the input, Ladies. tkrit, I will do a little research and hopefully find that article. One of those things, with MS. Worry enough, as it is. Then to worry about how one thing combined with MS may affect. Input, much appreciated

I started menopause at age 54, did not take hormones and saw my ms rear it's ugly head-I had been in remission for 13 1/2 years (I had been doing healing prayers and meditation-got cocky and stopped-NO meds). So, how much is due to menopause and how much to giving up the prayer/meditation I don't know.

I have been on Tysabri for a little over 7 1/2 years-blessed med for me If I could've been in the trials (just 2 years earlier) I am pretty sure I would exhibit no symptoms.

Linda