Hi I am sure hormones can have an effect on women with
MS, simply because they affect us without MS. Hormones rule everyone's bodies;
men, women, and children. My MS has been quieter these last two years, and
that is coincidentally about the same length of time I've been post menopausal
(almost three years since last period). Prior to that, my MS was extremely
active. I wasn't able to go more than 60 days without being hit with a relapse
or an exacerbation. The time between relapses was typically 30 days, and
each relapse or exacerbation lasted from a week to 2 months. That was going on
during the years 2000 to 2004. My disability increased with each "attack", as
I continued to collect more residual symptoms or they increased in severity.

In the last two years, the only symptoms I feel have gotten worse, are my
spasticity and balance problems. I did gain a new one though, problems
swallowing.

I don't think there IS a way to accurately predict the course of anyone's
MS. There are just too many variables. I also don't think doctor's should try
to reassure their patients by telling them they have benign or "mild" MS. My
Neurologist told me there is no such thing as benign MS, but there are some
lucky people who have a milder course with their MS. Their problems are
typically sensory in nature and don't involve physical disabilities or handicaps.