Do Hot Flashes Affect Multiple Sclerosis?

There has been very little research done on the effects of perimenopause and menopause on multiple sclerosis. However, initial findings seem to indicate that hot flashes may affect women with MS.

Hot Flashes

• Hot flashes are caused by hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause that cause the body's thermostat to stop regulating properly. These temperature changes cause flushing and an intense feeling of overheating.

Effects of Heat on MS

• It has repeatedly been shown that temperature can have an effect on people with MS. Hot baths, hot weather and sometimes even eating hot foods can trigger temporary worsening of MS symptoms.

Hot Flashes and MS

• Because of the susceptibility of MS patients to heat, internally generated increases in body temperature can, for some people, also result in MS symptoms becoming worse. For those people, hot flashes can have effects on the body that last longer than the hot flash itself.

Effects of Hot Flashes on MS

• The most common effects of hot flashes on MS include worsening of fatigue, weakness, imbalance and depression. Hot flashes can also trigger symptoms such as nerve pain and itching.

Hot Flashes Caused by MS

• While most hot flashes are caused by hormone imbalances, in some cases MS itself may cause hot flashes and flushing. Doctors believe that this effect may be caused by damage to the nerves that help regulate the body's temperature. While this is unusual, it can be one of the many unpredictable symptoms of the disease.

Limiting the Effects of Hot Flashes

• Women with MS who are experiencing hot flashes should immediately take steps to cool off as much as possible. Ways to cool off include slowly drinking a glass of cold water, applying bandanas and wristbands soaked in cold water, rung out, and tied around the neck and placed on the wrists; and sitting in front of the fan.