Abstract
The Impact of Menopause in Women with Multiple Sclerosis: A Survey Study
Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, Vol.99, 106485
07/2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2025.106485
Abstract
The purpose of this survey study was to characterize the impact of menopause on disease symptoms, physical functions, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) in women living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Females (sex assigned at birth) ≥ 18 years old diagnosed with MS by a medical professional were eligible to participate. The survey included questions about MS disease history, MS symptoms, menopause symptoms, and the impact of menopause and/or hormone replacement therapy on MS symptoms, physical functions, and IADLs. Categorical data are presented as the percentage of participants (%) selecting each response category. Continuous data are presented as mean (SD).
A total of 380 women diagnosed with MS (age: 55 ± 9 years) participated. On average, participants were diagnosed with MS at age 37 (± 9 years) and experienced menopause at age 50 (± 4 years). 94% of participants experienced menopause symptoms including hot flashes (73%), night sweats (63%), sleeping problems/insomnia (63%), vaginal dryness (60%), and weight gain (51%). Regarding MS symptoms, most participants reported an exacerbation of cognitive difficulty (66%), urinary/fecal incontinence (60%), muscle weakness (56%), and fatigue/tiredness (51%) after menopause. The most common physical function and IADL to worsen after menopause were climbing stairs (50%) and work/occupational duties (53%), respectively. The ability to exercise was limited in 46% of participants after menopause. Participants who used hormone replacement therapy averaged a greater weekly volume of exercise (n=43, 185 ± 138 min/wk) than non-users (n=337, 141 ± 127 min/wk). Among those who experienced adverse effects of menopause, 67% had not discussed these effects with their healthcare providers.
Healthcare providers may better address the needs of women living with MS by engaging in conversations and offering strategies to address the impact of menopause on their disease symptoms, physical functions, and IADLs.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The Impact of Menopause in Women with Multiple Sclerosis: A Survey Study
- Creators
- Kristin A. Johnson - Colorado State UniversityLyndsey E. DuBose - University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAnna A. Shah - University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusBrett W. Fling - Colorado State University
- Resource Type
- Abstract
- Publication Details
- Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, Vol.99, 106485
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.msard.2025.106485
- ISSN
- 2211-0348
- Publisher
- Elsevier B.V
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 07/2025
- Academic Unit
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science; Injury Prevention Research Center
- Record Identifier
- 9985133947102771
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