Women and MS

Women are almost three times more likely to get MS than men.

There could be links between MS and hormones, monthly periods, the menopause and having children.

What are the symptoms of MS in women?

The symptoms of MS in women are the same as they can be for anyone. Whatever your gender or biological sex, MS symptoms can include:

MS symptoms vary for anyone and they can change over time.

MS symptoms might change around the monthly period and with hormone changes. And managing the menopause could help with MS symptoms. MS doesn’t seem to affect fertility, but you might have extra things to consider if you’re having a baby or planning to get pregnant.

Sometimes, MS symptoms might affect sex and relationships. And if you’ve got MS you might make different contraception choices. For example, if MS symptoms affect what’s easy to use. Or if certain disease modifying therapies (DMTs) could affect a developing baby in the womb.

You may also be interested in

Periods and MS

Learn about how our menstrual cycle can affect your MS and see answers to common questions about MS and periods.

Pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and MS

Lots of people with MS have children after they're diagnosed. As with any pregnancy, there’s lots to plan and think about, but if you've got MS there might be extra things to consider and questions you might have.

Contraception (birth control) and MS

Learn about the relationship between MS and birth control, including how contraceptives can interact with MS treatments.

Menopause and MS

The effects of the menopause can feel similar to MS symptoms, and hot flushes and difficulty sleeping might make MS symptoms feel worse. Finding ways to manage the effects of the menopause could help with MS symptoms too.

Hormones

We know that MS can differ in men and women. We’re now working to understand the role hormones like oestrogen and testosterone play in MS.

Helpful resources

From symptoms and treatments to accessing care and support, our booklets and factsheets are packed full of information and tips on living well with MS.

You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop.

Browse our publications