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Investigating the Impact of Sex Hormones in Multiple Sclerosis

Active Not RecruitingN/A

Sponsor: Milap Sandhu

Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis

Countries: United States

Emerging evidence indicates that females with MS experience worsened symptoms during the luteal phase (post ovulation) of the menstrual cycle when progesterone levels rise and estradiol fluctuate. The rapid hormonal swings may disrupt hypothalamic regulation, leading to an increase in body temperature - a well-established trigger for MS symptom exacerbation. These hormonal changes could also affect neuromuscular function, as estradiol and progesterone receptors are present in the nervous system and skeletal muscles. Three critical aspects of motor rehabilitation are corticospinal excitability, motor learning, and fatigability. Previous research indicates that corticospinal excitability and the capacity to learn fine motor tasks fluctuate across menstrual cycles, indicating hormonal influences on neuroplasticity. However, it remains unclear how these hormonal fluctuations specifically affect corticospinal excitability, motor learning, and motor fatigability in females with MS. Understanding these relationships could significantly improve rehabilitation approaches. For example, pre-menopause females with MS may experience a more optimal state for neuroplasticity during the follicular phase of their cycles, therefore providing a potential window for greater rehabilitation efficacy.

Eligibility overview

Sex: FEMALE

Age: 18 Years to —

Healthy volunteers: No

Study type: OBSERVATIONAL

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years
* Diagnosis of relapsing-remitting, primary progressive or secondary progressive MS with no minimum years since diagnosis
* Stable disease modifying therapies for at least 6 months
* Eumenorrheic females

Exclusion Criteria:

* Another diagnosis (e.g., peripheral neuropathies or orthopedic)
* Pregnancy as confirmed by urine test
* Irregular menstrual cycles
* Diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder or polycystic ovary syndrome
* Taking antipsychotic medications / does not pass the TMS safety checklist

Locations (1)

Chicago, Illinois, United States