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Are Women at Higher Risk for Multiple Sclerosis?

Imagine waking up one morning and your legs suddenly feel weak or your vision turns blurry, as if a fog has covered your eyes.
You rest, hoping it’s stress or tiredness, but it keeps happening. For some women, this is how Multiple Sclerosis (MS) begins.
MS is a condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This damage disrupts the way messages travel between the brain and the rest of the body, causing symptoms such as fatigue, numbness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking.
 
While MS is more commonly diagnosed in Western countries, neurologists are beginning to see more cases in Nigeria and across Africa, especially among women.
So why are women more likely to develop MS? Let’s take a look.
 
Why Women Are More Affected
Across the world, research consistently shows that women are two to three times more likely to develop Multiple Sclerosis (MS) than men.
Scientists are still uncovering the exact reasons, but several biological and hormonal factors are believed to play a role.
Here’s what we know:
  • Stronger immune systems: Women naturally have more active immune responses than men. While this helps fight infections faster, it also makes the immune system more likely to turn against the body, which is exactly what happens in autoimmune diseases like MS.
     
  • Hormonal influence: Female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can affect how the immune system and nervous system communicate. Changes during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause may trigger or worsen symptoms.
     
  • Genetic differences: Certain genes linked to the X chromosome make women more vulnerable to autoimmune diseases. Since women have two X chromosomes, their risk is naturally higher.
Beyond biology, social factors also matter. In Nigeria, women often ignore or misread early symptoms, attributing them to stress, tiredness, or spiritual causes. This delay in seeking medical help can complicate diagnosis and treatment.
 
What Causes MS and How It Differs in Women
There isn’t one single cause of Multiple Sclerosis. It develops when several factors come together.
Here’s a breakdown of the leading causes:
 
a. Genetics:
Having a close relative (like a parent or sibling) with MS slightly increases the risk. Certain genes related to the immune system, particularly the HLA-DRB1 gene, are strongly associated with MS.
b. Environmental factors:
  • Low vitamin D levels: Since vitamin D supports immune balance, inadequate sunlight exposure or poor nutrition may increase the risk.
  • Viral infections: Getting infected in the past with the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), the same virus that causes “mono” or glandular fever, is one of the strongest known triggers for developing multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Smoking: Cigarette smoking (even second-hand exposure) increases MS risk and speeds up disease progression.
c. Hormones and pregnancy:
Many women notice their MS symptoms improve during pregnancy and flare up after childbirth.
This happens because pregnancy hormones temporarily calm the immune system, but once hormone levels drop, inflammation can return.
 
Symptoms Women Should Pay Attention To
  • Unusual fatigue: This isn’t ordinary tiredness. It’s an overwhelming exhaustion that happens even after sleeping well. Some women describe it as “carrying cement in your body.” It’s one of the most common symptoms of MS.
     
  • Numbness or tingling: A “pins-and-needles” sensation, often in the hands, feet, face, or one side of the body. It may come and go, but shouldn’t be ignored.
     
  • Blurred or double vision: Sometimes with eye pain, especially when moving the eyes. This is called optic neuritis, and it may be one of the first signs of MS.
     
  • Muscle weakness or stiffness: You may feel as though your legs are heavy or not responding as they should. Climbing stairs, holding objects, or walking long distances can become difficult.
     
  • Loss of balance or dizziness: Some women describe feeling like the ground is “tilted” or “moving.” This happens when MS affects the part of the brain that controls coordination.
     
  • Cognitive and mood changes: MS can sometimes affect memory, focus, and emotions. A woman may forget things easily or feel moody, anxious, or down for no clear reason.
     
  • Speech or swallowing problems: In more advanced cases, MS can affect muscles that control speech and swallowing, making it harder to talk clearly or eat comfortably.
How MS Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis (MS) isn’t always easy, especially in countries like Nigeria, where many hospitals don’t have the tools needed.
There’s no single test for MS; doctors have to look at your symptoms, medical history, and scan results to be sure.
 
How it’s diagnosed:
  • Neurological exam: A doctor checks your balance, coordination, strength, reflexes, and vision.
  • MRI scan: This is the main test. It helps show if there are scars or inflammation (called “lesions”) on the brain or spinal cord.
  • Spinal fluid test (Lumbar puncture): Sometimes used to check for signs of inflammation in the nervous system.
Early diagnosis is important because it helps doctors start treatment before the disease causes more nerve damage.
 
How it’s managed
There is no cure for MS yet, but the right care can help control symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and improve quality of life.
Here’s what treatment usually includes:
a. Medications:
  • Steroids to reduce inflammation during flare-ups.
  • Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) to slow down how fast MS progresses.
  • Pain relief or nerve medications to ease discomfort.
b. Physiotherapy:
Helps improve movement, strength, and balance.
c. Healthy lifestyle:
  • Eat balanced meals rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish.
  • Take vitamin D supplements if advised by your doctor.
  • Avoid smoking, as it can make MS worse.
  • Rest well and manage stress.
d. Mental health support:
Living with a long-term illness can be emotionally draining. Talking to a therapist or joining a support group can make it easier to cope.
 
Final Thoughts
Multiple Sclerosis might still sound like a distant or foreign condition to many Nigerians, but awareness is the first step to change. The more women understand how their bodies work, the faster they can notice when something feels off and seek the right help.
Every story shared, every symptom checked, and every question asked brings us closer to breaking the silence around neurological health.
 
What do you think?
Have you ever heard of someone living with MS in Nigeria, or do you think this condition is still largely misunderstood?
Share your thoughts, let’s start a conversation that could help more women get the answers they need.
 
 
 
 
 
Researched by Victoria Odueso
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