Largest Study Finds Menopause Does Not Accelerate Disability in Women With MS

Overview

• The Monash University–led analysis, published in JAMA Neurology, assessed relapse-onset multiple sclerosis using MSBase registry data and an Australian clinical cohort.
• Among 987 women followed for just over 14 years, including 404 postmenopausal participants, menopause was not linked to increased disability accumulation.
• The authors report that disability increases around age 50 are more consistent with general somatic aging than with reproductive hormonal changes.
• Clinicians say the results support reassuring patients and prioritizing holistic management of menopausal symptoms, with consideration of menopausal hormone therapy and non-hormonal options to improve quality of life.
• Because hot flashes, memory and mood changes, and urinary dysfunction can overlap with MS symptoms, the study highlights the need for life-stage–sensitive care.