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I could just be experiencing menopause symptoms, but I have an older sibling with MS, and I'm wondering if I should insist on getting MRI or other tests to rule out MS.

portland wrote:I could just be experiencing menopause symptoms, but I have an older sibling with MS, and I'm wondering if I should insist on getting MRI or other tests to rule out MS.

Welcome to ThisIsMS, portland.

As you say, you "could just be experiencing menopause symptoms." But if any of your symptoms can be described as "neurological," it might be worthwhile to see your GP and start with a general physical exam.

I suggest you request blood tests to rule out deficiencies of vitamin D and vitamin B12. A deficiency in either of these nutrients can result in neurological symptoms. Your doctor would start by ruling out nutrient deficiencies, liver/thyroid/kidney problems, and many other more likely causes for your symptoms before an MS diagnosis should be considered. There is no definitive test for MS (NOT even an MRI!) – the MS diagnosis can only be made after excluding the other possibilities.

Also, please request your own copy of any test results – it is important to have the actual test result numbers.

When my (2) brothers and I were young, we were told we would never get MS (my dad had it). Well, one of my brothers and I did to our great disappointment and surprise. And I have read many times of siblings facing a similar situation, even though the 'experts' say MS is not hereditary. Who knows, but the bottom line is you are probably better off not taking a chance.

Get your self checked and IMHO you should take every reasonable precaution. (A few things I can recommend is to follow a gluten free diet, consume only a minuscule amount of sugar products, including fruits, take reasonable doses of vitamin D3 to insure your D level is higher than what is considered typical, take b vitamins (a good B complex should be good) as well as a good multi-vitamin. Exercise regularly, make sure you are not overweight (if you are, do something about it) and get plenty of sleep.