Survey study, 2026
How does the menstrual cycle affect symptoms and daily activities in women with multiple sclerosis?
Over 85% reported worsening MS symptoms or physical difficulties during at least one phase of the menstrual cycle, most commonly fatigue, pain, cognitive difficulty, and weakness. Most symptoms worsened during the premenstrual and menstrual phases.
What they did
Survey of 343 naturally menstruating American women with multiple sclerosis about how their menstrual cycle affected MS symptoms, physical functions, and daily activities.
What they found
Over 85% reported worsening of symptoms or difficulty with physical functions during at least one menstrual cycle phase. Fatigue, pain, cognitive difficulty, and muscle weakness were most common. 39% had greater difficulty walking, and 70% had limited ability to exercise during at least one phase. Most difficulty occurred in premenstrual and menstrual phases. 71% had never discussed these effects with their doctors.
What it means for you
The menstrual cycle significantly affects MS symptoms in most women, but most have not talked to their doctors about it. This is a snapshot survey, so we cannot know if cycle changes cause worse MS or if other factors are involved. Results are from US women only.
85%
reported worsened symptoms during cycle
70%
limited ability to exercise
71%
never discussed effects with doctors
About the study
- Original title
- The Impact of Hormonal Stages of Life in Women With Multiple Sclerosis: A Survey Study of the Menstrual Cycle
- Authors
- Johnson KA, DuBose LE, Shah AA et al.
- Journal
- Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 343
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2026.04.004