This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

One for you Sharon -

UK MS Society - presentation on hormones.

Bigger studies needed but results are promising (particulalry testosterone for men).

Ian

PS Given the good results from testosterone gel (for men) - I would be more than happy to start now. What's the risk? Disability? But we're going to get that anyway! By the time they prove it is safe - there won't be much of my brain left to save!

http://www.mssociety.org.uk/document.rm?id=1408

Ian—thanks for what I think is an excellent presentation on estriol (form of estrogen) and testosterone.

From the link you posted earlier on the testosterone trial the positive outcomes (improved cognitive functioning, significant decrease in brain atrophy and increased levels of BDNF) were achieved within the normal range of testosterone levels.

I would think maintaining your testosterone level within the normal range should be relatively safe (i.e., low risk) if your personal health history doesn’t include any contra-indications, i.e., history of prostate cancer, etc.

Also the likelihood that you or anyone with MS (male or female) actually has a low testosterone level is relatively high compared to the general population. Don't forget this thread where Marcstck posted an abstract from the AAN, Decreased Serum Testosterone Levels in Multiple Sclerosis.

Even though they didn't find a statistically significant correlation for men or women between low testosterone levels and disease progression, there was something of a "trend" perhaps suggesting low testosterone levels were associated with progression in some people.

I would think a “normal testosterone level” could be a relatively safe option for you to consider, again, absent contraindications. It’s my basic impression the normal range for hormone levels (any hormone) are pretty wide. I’d hope though that you or anyone else considering this first have their testosterone level checked. If your level is already in the high normal or high range, it may not be necessary or even advisable to supplement with testosterone gel. My testosterone level was in the normal range; it’s the only one that was. I plan to keep it there too.

The slide "Estrogen is Neuroprotective" made me grin. It was wonderful to finally see an MS researcher put it out there.

Thank you Ian. Take care.

Sharon

Hi all--an FYI

I came across an abstract entitled: Sex Hormones: A Role in the Control of Multiple Sclerosis. It seemed liked it belonged in this thread.
I'm happy to see more interest in the topic by MS researchers.

Sharon