From the Ectrims site:

http://www.akm.ch/ectrims2006/

Menopause in multiple sclerosis

M. Vališ, I. Šormová, R. Taláb (Hradec Králové, CZ)

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Introduction: The effect of hormones on the course of multiple sclerosis is still one of the shady areas around this severe neurologic disease. Correct evaluation of the effect of hormones on the disease progression and appropriate indication of hormone replacement therapy is another of available therapeutic options.

Method: The analyzed sample included 16 female patients with MS who started hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal period. The main indications was severe combined osteoporosis and symptoms of estrogen deficiency, which may sometimes be masked by MS symptoms. All patients underwent gynecologic examination and their hormone profiles were tested. Analyzed parameters included age, CGI - Clinical Global Impression and EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) after the first year of therapy and the type of therapy.

Results: Analysis of therapeutic response based on global improvement in CGI showed no worsening in any of the patients, 60 % improved significantly, 20 % improved slightly and 20 % did not change. No significant effect on EDSS was detected after a year of treatment. The most common treatment used was combined HRT (estrogens and progestins) in 75 % of patients, 15 % were treated with estrogens only (patients after hysterectomy). 10 % of patients were given local therapy.

Discussion: How can menopause affect MS? Very significantly, since even in healthy women is this period often associated with a decrease in quality of life. Symptoms of climacteric syndrome appear in up to 75 % of women and more than half of female MS patients show worsening of their condition after menopause.

There are currently no reasons to hesitate with starting hormone replacement therapy in indicated cases of patients with MS, the problem is, however, that symptoms of estrogen deficiency may overlap with symptoms of MS. Analysis of CGI scores showed no worsening in any of the patients and only 20 % showed no reaction to the therapy. No significant change in EDSS was detected after a year of therapy. Treatment was very well tolerated and without any negative influence on MS.

Conclusion: Based on scientific evidence, hormone replacement therapy is currenly considered a good treatment option for climacteric syndrome and prevention and therapy of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Early start of therapy improves significantly the quality of life of patients and sometimes has beneficial effects on MS.

Menopause did not affect me in regards to MS, at all.

I went through menopause naturally, while in MS remission and it didn't effect my MS symptoms in the least. My Daughter who also has MS, was taken off of BC when she was DX.

I've always felt that my early (total) hysterectomy and hormone replacement therapy were a big part of why I was so much stronger and healthier than the people my age around me.

Once I got my dx 3 years ago and started reading about MS and studies like this, I became even more convinced. Combined with the healthy diet and exercise routine that I adopted years ago, I feel like I must have lucked into the perfect personal routine that has kept my MS mild-ish and helped my mobility.

When I mentioned this to my gynecologist recently, he nodded in agreement. I also believe it has favorably affected my mood and fatigue as well. Like I always say, they'll only take away my estrogen when they pry it out of my cold, dead hands.

I'm not post-menopausal tho' I am peri-menopause. At this point and going back alot of years, hormones have played havoc with my MS twice a month....a few days before I ovulate (yep, I know when that happens) and a week before my period.

I am looking forward to menopause....no more hormonal fluctuations. Of course the old say..."be careful what you wish for" may come back and bite me