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I'm relatively new to this MS thing (February 9th start).

I have only ever had one period, since the symptoms started.The last period, I was in the hospital. That time everything was so overwhelming, I don't remember whether or not symptoms were worse during my period.

Tonight, I started to notice the smokey eyes (looks like I'm looking through a thin layer of smoke)/ painful eyes, jaw pain, over-all facial pain, MS hug, weakness in my arms, then I went to walk my legs did not want to work and I have an overall feel of impending doom (that symptoms will get worse). I then went to the bathroom, only to notice that my period had started.

Is it normal for symptoms to get temporarily worse during times in the menstrual cycle?

Hi Jevoni

Based upon the info I've read, it doesn't seem like it's "normal" for symptoms to get temporarily worse during the menstrual cycle, but it certainly isn't unusual either given the little bit of research that's been done on the topic. Here's some of the research:

The premenstrual period and exacerbations in multiple sclerosis

42% had exacerbations starting in the premenstrual phase.

Within this group the proportion of premenstrual exacerbations was significantly higher than in the remaining period of the menstrual cycle, and in 45% all exacerbations had started during the premenstrual phase.

MRI in multiple sclerosis during the menstrual cycle: relationship with sex hormone patterns

The ratio of progesterone/17-beta-estradiol during the luteal phase was significantly associated with both number (r = 0.6, p = 0.03) and volume (r = 0.7, p = 0.009) of enhancing lesions, providing support for a role of these hormones as immunomodulatory factors in MS.

Menstrually related worsening of symptoms in multiple sclerosis

26 (43%) regularly experienced worsening of their MS symptoms in the period just before, or at the beginning of, the menstruation.

You might want to consider having your hormone levels evaluated to see if they are out of balance. I personally suspect the drop in hormone levels at that time might trigger some of the symptoms/issues, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of research on the topic.

I wish you all the best in your journey with this disease and hope you're feeling better.

Sharon

My symptoms worsened during menstruation. It makes sense as a number of our hormones influence immune response and the inflammatory cascade. Natural hormone fluctuation causes natural changes in inflammation. Another excuse to spoil yourself at that time of the month.

anon - not to mention losing micronutrients during the process!

@jimmy. Oh geez! Can't I have a moment of peace NOT thinking about nutrients?! Lol.
<slinking away to drink my oj, take my iron, and eat a proper lunch including a poor chicken's parts to enhance absorption and excluding all that might interfere with iron absorption. Do you hear that singing in the background? It sounds like the indentured servants rowing the big ships...that is, singing before they lose their breath and voices due to malnutrition...>

@jevoni she's probably right though.

fortunately, cocoa is an excellent source of magnesium ;D i prescribe a nice trail mix liberally strewn with 70% dark chocolate coated cacao nibs (a context in which i find i can actually deal with pumpkin seeds, yay!)

Jevoni,

When I was first diagnosed with MS when I was 34, I frequently felt like my periods just about sucked the life out of me, even worse than usual. I would describe it as like, all my energy just being sucked into a huge black hole.

I can tell you though that now, I hardly have any problems with PMS. I do take a progesterone cream, EXTREMELY helpful, during the 12th-26th day of my cycle (count the first day as the first day of your period). You put it on the soft areas of your body, like the back of your neck or on the inside of your wrists. Also, I suggest taking high quality food-based vitamins, more than usual, about 2 days before your period and all during your period. Also, I take 2000 IU vitamin d everyday and fish oil twice a week. Also, if you have terrible cramps, a calcium magnesium supplement helps tremendously. The brand I took was premcal.

FYI, I take copaxone 20 mg for the ms I have.

I hope these suggestions can help you.

-jmarie.

I do experience some symptoms that do not appear otherwise during the first week prior to my period (infrequently). My Dr. previously had me on bio identical progesterone, which might be something worth looking into again. There have been studies that show during pregnancy women have no symptoms, but after giving birth the next 3 months seems to be pretty symptomatic. I do believe there is a correlation. It also helps me greatly on many levels to do cardio workouts at least 3 times a week. It will take a month or 2 before you start to notice the affects of exercise, but it sure does work wonders.