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@Lisarobo 

Last reply

Lisarobo

MS, menopause or both?

Hi. I’ve been diagnosed with MS now for 3 years. Relapse free for most of those 3 years. Occasional increase in my baseline symptoms when ill or stressed, but nothing that’s a relapse. Over the last 3 months my baseline symptoms have gotten worse, my balance is now awful and I’ve had to start using a crutch to walk. Tingling in legs and hands has also increased and recently I’ve lost control of my bowels a couple of times(sorry🤢). Now I’m also at the sweet age where menopause/perimenopause could have started and a quick google search says that all the above symptoms can be attributed to menopause. My question is has anyone else suffered an increase in baseline symptoms that have been related to menopause rather than MS? Unfortunately my MS nurses are so short staffed you have to leave a message and unless you are sure it could be a relapse they recommend going to see your GP. Should I go down the GP line to see if they’ll do a test to see if I’m in menopause or the MS route? Thanks.
First posted on the Shift.ms app
2
@RC83
@RC83
 

Sorry I can't help with the menopause question. I like your use of language and terminology I think you have a really good understanding and way of explaining things. My baseline symptoms have been getting worse for the past few years. I believe it's because secondary progression is kicking in however this is an old fashioned term which consultants are reluctant to put in writing nowadays. Its also called PIRA, legacy ms or smouldering ms. The lesions dont change but your "functional reserve" declines. Menopause is probably one if the reasons for this decline but there are many others too. Search YouTube for "Aaron Boster leaking pool model" he explains it better than i can!

@Ebony
@Ebony
 

I have been diagnosed with MS and hit that age where menopause plays at factor at the same time. So no idea what is causing what 🤪. I spoke to a women’s health doctor who recommended HRT patches but I can’t start that yet as just started my DMT. I would recommending seeing your gp as it’s likely menopause is starting to play a factor as well.