Early Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis In Women You Need To Know

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a long-lasting neurological disorder that usually affects the central nervous system. This disease is more common in women than in men. It is very crucial that we know the early signs of MS in women, as it helps in its early diagnosis and management, as well as greatly enhances affected persons’ quality of life. This article especially looks at the early symptoms of MS in women, its diagnosis, how it affects women’s health, as well as available treatment options.

What Is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune chronic disease that affects mostly the central nervous system, precisely the brain and the spinal cord. The immune system attacks the myelin sheath meant to protect nerve fibers, thus causing inflammation and destruction. As a result, communication between the brain and the body is being progressively disrupted, and various symptoms appear due to disintegration. First signs of MS in females and males, as well as more severe symptoms, include neurological symptoms such as fatigue, numbness, and weakness. However, some studies suggest that females may have a higher incidence of pain and sensory symptoms, while males may exhibit more motor symptoms such as muscle stiffness and coordination issues. 

Out of all MS types, the main ones are:

• Relapsing-remitting (RRMS); 
• Primary progressive (PPMS); 
• Secondary progressive (SPMS);
• Progressive relapsing (PRMS).

The exact causes of MS are unknown, but genetic and environmental factors may contribute to its development. Scientists continue to study the pathogenesis of this disease. 

What Are The Early Symptoms Of MS In Women

Symptoms of MS differ greatly among individuals and may evolve unexpectedly over time. Consequently, the early signs of MS in women are frequently overlooked or confused with other conditions, thus complicating the problem of early diagnosis. Here are some frequently observed early symptoms of MS in women:

1. Fatigue

One of the most prevalent early MS symptoms in females is weariness, which can be crippling. In contrast to usual tiredness, MS-related weariness manifests itself as an overpowering kind of tiredness that remains unabated even after taking some time out or taking a nap. 

It can hinder individuals from executing their everyday routines and deteriorate their general life quality. It is believed that this fatigue occurs when the body exerts itself more than normal to cover up for damaged nerves and other immune system activities linked to MS.

2. Vision problems

MS typically causes vision problems, such as blurry vision, double vision, partial vision loss, or complete blindness. Painful eye movements or vision impairment are usually early signs of MS in women. 

In most cases, these early symptoms of MS in females are triggered by an inflammation of the optic nerve, called optic neuritis. In more severe cases, this condition causes temporary loss of sight or permanent blindness in one eye, and some patients may report mild pain around the affected area. 

3. Numbness and tingling

Periodic numbness and tingling are the classical first symptoms of MS in women. People with MS often feel numbness and tingling in the body’s limbs. Some parts of the body where this tingling is commonly felt include the face, arms, legs, and fingers. Sensations may be ongoing or intermittent. 

The cause of this feeling is damage that affects the way in which the sensory system is functioning in nerves. Consequently, anything from a slight tingling sensation to total sensory loss can be experienced in such areas. 

4. Muscle weakness and spasms

Many individuals with multiple sclerosis tend to feel muscle weakness and cramps. The weakness of the limbs can make walking or doing simple tasks an uphill task. This weakness is caused by damage to the nerves that hinders communication between the brain and muscles. 

There are times when one feels good, but at other times, all they experience is discomfort. 

5. Balance and coordination issues 

Sometimes problems with balance and coordination can manifest early signs of MS in women. A patient may exhibit an unsteady gait, may fall often, or find it hard to do some tasks like buttoning a shirt. 

These issues are caused by lesions in the cerebellum, which is essential for coordinating movements in the brain, and injuries to sensory tracts that provide information about the body’s position. Balance and coordination problems can significantly impact a person’s independence and safety. 

Sometimes, these early MS symptoms in females cause difficulties when somebody tries to do ordinary things, such as keeping balance and coordinating movements.

6. Bladder and bowel dysfunction

In some cases, the early signs of MS in women can be urinary incontinence, urinary frequency, and urge incontinence. This happens because nerve damage interferes with signaling from the brain to either the bladder or rectum. 

Consequently, the person loses control even over normal involuntary body functions. This leads in turn to bladder problems, which predispose to urinary infections and bowel problems, including pain or social awkwardness.

7. Cognitive changes

Cognitive disruption can manifest as one of the early signs of MS in young females. MS might disrupt a person’s thinking abilities and, as a consequence, make him/her have issues recalling things or focusing on any particular subject matter whatsoever.  The cognitive declines, known as “cog fog”, can range widely from mild to severe and cause difficulties in performing simple tasks. 

These damages leading to cognitive symptoms emanate from the disturbances within the brain neurons that disrupt signal transmission between them. Early intervention and cognitive retraining can help reduce many of these symptoms, enabling the mind to perform normal activities.

8. Pain

People suffering from MS often experience different types of chronic pain. Two types of such pains are neuropathic pain and musculoskeletal pain. Neuropathic pain results from damage to nerves and leads to sensations like a sharp, stabbing pain or burning. 

On the other hand, musculoskeletal pains manifest as a result of muscle stiffness and muscle spasms, as well as associated factors such as poor postural habits or limited movement. There are various ways of managing these pains, such as using drugs for treatment or using physiotherapy so as to at least reduce the intensity of such pains.

9. Depression and mood swings

People with MS usually experience fluctuations in their moods, such as feelings of sadness or worry. Such changes can be attributed to changes in the brain regions responsible for regulating moods because of the disease state. 

Furthermore, dealing with MS throughout life may lead to depression or anxiety.

Get a free online consultation

Please, contact our medical advisor to discuss your health condition with a specialist in regenerative medicine. You can also leave your contact details for a callback. It is free and confidential.

Dr. Aleksandra Fetyukhina, MD

Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor

Your Name Please fill out this field Phone Please fill out this field E-mail Please fill out this field

I agree to the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Notice Swiss Medica

MS Symptoms Specific To Women

There are various symptoms of MS that are common in both genders. However, some of these are gender-specific, i.e., unique to women, resulting from a different hormonal profile and issues linked to reproduction. Some of these multiple sclerosis early symptoms in females include:

• Menstrual problems

These can include changes in the periods experienced by female patients with multiple sclerosis. The ups and downs of hormones arising out of monthly cycles contribute to the exaggeration of early signs of MS in women like tiredness, pain in different parts of the body, and changes in the manner of thinking, among other problems stemming from this condition. 

Before or during menstruation, these symptoms may worsen even more, making it necessary for you to know how you can follow them up best.

• Pregnancy-related symptoms

Early signs of MS in women can be significantly affected by pregnancy. A lot of women see their symptoms lessen during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. The reason is believed to be in pregnancy hormones, which are immunosuppressive. 

In spite of this, there is a higher chance of a recurrence after giving birth. All women suffering from multiple sclerosis disorder should keep in touch with their doctors so they can handle it well before or after they get pregnant.

• Menopause

Signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis in females may also be influenced by menopause. Specifically, hormonal modifications during this period can bring about heightened symptoms of fatigue, cognitive changes, or mood swings. Comprehensive management involving hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle modifications, and treating symptoms where necessary could ease these symptoms

In addition, new symptoms can arise, or early signs of MS in women can become worse, including hot flashes, night sweats, and changes in sleeping habits, all of which can further complicate the treatment of MS.

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Because bladder dysfunction is linked to the disease, women with MS have a greater likelihood of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs). Bladder issues, such as incontinence, urinary frequency, and urgency, are some of the symptoms that may put a woman at risk of having a bladder problem. 

When one has UTIs, the result can be a worsening of the condition of MS symptoms, thereby causing a situation of deteriorating discomfort.

• Sexual dysfunction

Another symptom that may particularly occur in women with MS is sexual dysfunction; it comprises decreased sex drive, vaginal dryness, difficulty in reaching orgasm, and pain during sex. The cause of these problems can be both physical (caused by the disease itself) and psychological (e.g., depression and anxiety). 

How Is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Diagnosed?

To diagnose MS, the physician must perform a comprehensive evaluation. This includes taking a detailed medical history, performing a neurological examination, and running some tests to make an accurate conclusion. Detecting it early plays a key role in administering the correct treatment and managing its symptoms effectively. 

• The health provider will conduct a neurological exam and take a comprehensive medical history to look for possible early signs of MS in women.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is the most commonly used imaging technique to diagnose MS. Especially when the early signs of MS in young females are not yet obvious. It can identify lesions or areas of damage in the brain and spinal cord that are indicative of MS. 
• Evoked potentials test the electrical activity of the brain in response to certain stimuli, enabling one to diagnose the nervous system disorders associated with early symptoms of multiple sclerosis in females.
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): This test involves taking a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid (also called spinal fluid) to analyze it for any abnormality that may be present with an extra amount of specific proteins or abnormal immune cells, which often occurs in multiple sclerosis patients. 
• Blood tests: Even though there’s no one particular blood test for multiple sclerosis, this helps not to confuse early symptoms of multiple sclerosis in females with illnesses with similar symptoms.

Ways To Treat MS

There are various ways to manage multiple sclerosis symptoms in young females. The treatment plan focuses on decreasing the frequency of relapses and slowing down disease progression, even though multiple sclerosis has no definitive cure. The specific patient’s problem determines the type of care that would be found appropriate; therefore, the treatment could involve some of the following:

1. Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs)

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) focus on reducing the rate and intensity of relapses, slowing down the disease progress, and preventing the development of new lesions. Some common DMTs include interferons, glatiramer acetate, and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). 

2. Symptom management

Various drugs and therapies are used to handle certain multiple sclerosis early symptoms in females, for example, tiredness, muscle spasms, fatigue, and issues with the bladder. Occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy could also be part of this treatment. 

3. Lifestyle modifications

For an individual with multiple sclerosis, it is important that he/she exercises regularly, sleeps sufficiently, consumes plenty of water, and, most importantly, keeps a check on his/her diet, as this would greatly improve their health.

4. Stem cell therapy

Stem cell therapy for MS includes the use of adult multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). MSCs can help:

• Reduce inflammation;
• Regulate one’s immunity;
• Promote repair of damaged tissues;
• Potentially protect the nervous system from further damage.

Research is ongoing, but studies indicate that MSC therapy may help improve symptoms and slow down disease progression.

The therapy conducted by Swiss Medica has given hope to a lot of patients suffering from MS. Stem cell therapy aims to reduce early signs of MS in women and improve quality of life in general.

Does Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Affect Fertility?

Infertility is not one of the early symptoms of MS in females. However, some factors related to MS and its treatment, such as certain medications, may impact fertility.

Multiple sclerosis early symptoms in females or relapses may affect menstrual cycles or hormonal balance. It is essential for women with MS who are planning to conceive to discuss their treatment plan with their healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for pregnancy.

Additionally, fatigue, stress, and other symptoms may indirectly affect a woman’s ability to conceive by impacting her health and well-being. 

Does Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Affect Menstruation?

Multiple sclerosis can affect menstruation in women. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can exacerbate early signs of MS in women, making them more severe or more difficult to manage. Women with MS may experience increased fatigue, pain, and cognitive changes just before or during their menstrual period.

Managing early symptoms of MS in females may involve tracking the menstrual cycle, adjusting medications, and incorporating lifestyle modifications to reduce the impact of hormonal changes on their condition.

Why Are Females More At Risk?

Women are more likely to develop MS than men, with a female-to-male ratio of approximately 3:1. The exact reason for this disparity is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to the increased risk in women:

• Hormonal Differences: Hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, are believed to play a role in the development and progression of MS. These hormones can influence the immune system and may contribute to the higher prevalence of early symptoms of multiple sclerosis in females.
• Genetic Factors: Certain genetic factors and variations in immune system genes may increase the susceptibility of women to developing MS.
• Environmental Factors: Women may be more affected by environmental factors that are associated with an increased risk of MS, such as vitamin D deficiency, smoking, and exposure to certain viruses.

Conclusion

It is essential that women are able to quickly discover the early signs of MS in women since it will help them get treated in time and manage their condition efficiently. The early symptoms of MS in women can vary widely, but a comprehensive approach should address specific challenges such as menstrual disorders, including cramps, symptoms during pregnancy, and those associated with post-menopause. 

For these reasons, women who have this condition need to consult with their health practitioners so as to take advantage of new solutions, which include stem cell therapy, and thus enhance their quality of life and manage early symptoms of MS in women more effectively.

For more information on stem cell therapy for MS, please visit Swiss Medica’s stem cell therapy for MS page.

Contact us

Get a free online consultation to learn about the expected results of stem cell therapy for your case, what is the cost of the treatment, and its duration.

Dr. Aleksandra Fetyukhina, MD

Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor

Your Name Please fill out this field Phone Please fill out this field E-mail Please fill out this field

I agree to the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Notice Swiss Medica

Dr. Aleksandra Fetyukhina, MD Author

Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor

Dr. Aleksandra Fetyukhina, MD Reviewer

Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor