Symptoms of multiple sclerosis during use of combined hormonal contraception
Kempe, P.; Hammar, M.; Brynhildsen, J.
European Journal of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Biology 193: 1-4
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 1872-7654 PMID: 26196655 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2015.06.030Document Number: 637874
The incidence and disease course of multiple sclerosis (MS) is influenced by sex steroids, and several studies have shown less disease activity during high estrogen states. We have previously shown variation in symptom experience related to the estrogen/progestogen phase in women using combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) in a small sample. The aim of this study was to confirm these results in a larger sample. Self-assessment of symptoms of MS in relation to CHC cycle by 22 female MS patients. A symptom diary based on a validated instrument for cyclical symptoms was used. Mean symptom scores for high and low estrogen/progestogen phases were compared. The women scored four out of ten symptoms significantly higher during the pill-free week than during the CHC phase (p<.05). Women with MS report more pronounced symptoms during the pill-free, low-estrogen/progestogen phase of CHC use. Future studies should investigate, with a prospective, controlled design, the effects that continuous-use regimens of CHC have in women with MS.
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