---
title: Does the premenstrual period trigger multiple sclerosis flare-ups in women?
description: In about 42% of women with MS, flare-ups were more likely during the premenstrual phase, suggesting it may be a trigger for some women. The evidence is not de
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-premenstrual-period-and-exacerbations-in-multiple-sclerosis-2002/
---

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- Does the premenstrual period trigger multiple sclerosis flare-ups in women?

Survey study, 2002

# Does the premenstrual period trigger multiple sclerosis flare-ups in women?

In about 42% of women with MS, flare-ups were more likely during the premenstrual phase, suggesting it may be a trigger for some women. The evidence is not definitive as this was a small observational study.

 Early or limited evidence

56 women with relapsing multiple sclerosis and regular menstrual cycles

## What they did

Cross-sectional study of 56 women with relapsing MS and regular periods. They reviewed 2 years of medical records and questionnaires about when their flare-ups occurred.

## What they found

42% had flare-ups starting in the premenstrual phase. Within this group, 45% had all their flare-ups during the premenstrual phase. Birth control pills did not prevent this pattern, and there was no relationship to PMS itself.

## What it means for you

The premenstrual period may trigger MS flare-ups in some women. A major limitation is the small sample size and that they only looked back at past records instead of following women forward.

42%

Had flare-ups in premenstrual phase

45%

Had all flare-ups in premenstrual phase

56

Women with MS studied

## About the study

Original title The premenstrual period and exacerbations in multiple sclerosis Authors Zorgdrager A, De Keyser J Journal European neurology Year 2002 Study design Survey study Participants 56 What was tested None. Observational study of medical records and questionnaires. Read the paper [doi.org/10.1159/000066166](https://doi.org/10.1159/000066166)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual exacerbation (PME)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pme/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Perimenopause and menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-perimenopause/)

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