Did you know that multiple sclerosis is up to three times more common in women than in men? This autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord carries different symptoms, depending on each person. The first symptoms of multiple sclerosis in women usually appear in youth, between 20 and 40 years old. In fact, today, this disease is the main cause of disability in young people, after traffic accidents.
Since it is a chronic disease that usually affects young people, the effects can continue throughout life, generating a notable impact on physical, cognitive and emotional health, especially in advanced stages. In this article we will try to explain why multiple sclerosis is more common in women than in men, and we will present the most common symptoms and also those that are specific to women.
Most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis in women
Multiple sclerosis in young and older women presents a wide range of symptoms that vary according to the progression of the disease. This condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, which is a substance that covers and protects neurons, causing damage to the central nervous system.
As the disease progresses, the symptoms of multiple sclerosis in women and men intensify, especially in older people with a long history. Identifying these symptoms allows you to personalize treatment and improve your quality of life:
1. Chronic fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. It affects 80% of people with this disease and can be truly debilitating, making daily activities difficult.
2. Vision problems
The first symptoms of multiple sclerosis in women include optic neuritis, characterized by blurred vision, partial loss of vision in one eye, as well as involuntary eye movements.
3. Numbness and tingling
It is very common, among the first symptoms of multiple sclerosis, for sensitive problems to appear, such as numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, legs or face.
4. Motor and balance alterations
Difficulty walking, muscle spasms and coordination problems are common in multiple sclerosis in men and women, but even more pronounced in older people, due to the progressive deterioration of this disease.
5. Cognitive disorders
The disease can affect memory, concentration and organizational abilities, complicating the daily activities of young and old people with multiple sclerosis.
6. Chronic pain and spasticity
Muscular or neuropathic pain and stiffness and involuntary spasms are common symptoms that usually intensify in advanced stages, limiting the mobility and independence of the affected person.
Causes of multiple sclerosis in women
Why is multiple sclerosis more common in women? Although the exact causes are still being investigated, experts point to several factors that contribute to this disparity:
Hormonal factors
It has been observed that hormonal fluctuations, such as those associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause, influence the onset and progression of multiple sclerosis in young women.
In this way, it is proven that during menstruation, the symptoms of the disease (fatigue, pain, spasticity) intensify. On the other hand, during pregnancy the frequency of outbreaks decreases and then, in the postpartum, the symptoms intensify again. Also in menopause, with the decrease in estrogen, the risk of relapse increases again.
Environmental factors
Limited sun exposure, low vitamin D levels and smoking are recognized risk factors for multiple sclerosis in women. In fact, several studies have shown that the influence of vitamin D on the immune system and MS is more important in women than in men.
Overactive immune system
According to various scientific studies, women have a stronger immune response, which could explain their greater vulnerability to autoimmune diseases.
Genetic predisposition
There is a genetic component that intervenes in the development of multiple sclerosis. However, so far no genetic differences have been detected between men and women.
Rehabilitation for people with multiple sclerosis
As we see, multiple sclerosis is a complex disease that affects men and women, young people and adults. For those people who have lived with this disease for years, there may be a functional limitation. But, despite there being no cure, it is possible to improve the quality of life by following appropriate treatment and care.
That is why our specialized center we have a Rehabilitation Unit for neurological pathologies designed for those people with functional diversity who require intensive or continuous care of a high level of specialization. Our transdisciplinary medical team offers comprehensive care consisting of psychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy services. In addition, our facilities are equipped with cutting-edge technology and spaces designed to facilitate physical and cognitive therapies, depending on the needs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The purpose of our treatments is to ensure that people affected by MS can lead a good quality of life and be independent for as long as possible.
