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Women and MS

Women are almost three times more likely to get MS than men. MS has different implications for women, in terms of 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 in men. They can include:

MS symptoms vary for both women and men and they can change over time.

But MS can affect women in particular ways. For example, symptoms might change around their monthly period and with hormone changes. And managing the menopause could help with MS symptoms. MS doesn’t seem to affect fertility, but women with multiple sclerosis might have extra things to consider when having a baby or planning to get pregnant.

Read more about pregnancy and fertility

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

In this section

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.

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.

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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
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Find support near you

Our local groups are starting to meet face-to-face again. We've made sure any activities can happen in a COVID-safe way. Each group will go at their own pace, and you'll still find lots happening online. From coffee mornings to online yoga classes – put in your postcode to find out what's near you.