MS affects three times more women than men. This raises a number of fascinating research questions about the role of genes, hormones, and life events on the onset and course of MS. It also raises important clinical questions about how best to provide whole-person care for women and men living with MS.
Investigating how hormone therapies might affect MS
We are collaborating with Drs. Jonah Chan and Ari Green to determine the effects of a hormonal treatment on myelin repair, both in the laboratory, and in women with MS
We just completed the first trial testing a hormonal therapy in menopausal women with MS, with support from the NMSS
Managing MS across the reproductive lifespan
Pregnancy
- Rituximab before and during pregnancy: A systematic review, and a case series in MS and NMOSD
- Effect of pregnancy loss on MS disease activity.
- Caring for Women with Multiple Sclerosis Across the Lifespan.
- We need to conduct clinical trials of disease-modifying therapy in pregnancy to optimize care of women with MS – Commentary
- US News - Managing Pregnancy When You Have MS By Heidi Godman
- The Latest News on MS and Hormones by Dr. Bove by Kate Milliken
Menopause
After leading some of the initial observational studies suggesting that MS worsening may accelerate with reproductive aging, we are now focused on improving the quality of life of women during the menopausal transition. Find out more here.
Gender in the clinic
Initiative for gender-based care in the clinic: Including childbearing, hormone use, menopause, men's health concerns, as well as the unique concerns of sexual and gender minorities, including trans persons using gender affirming therapies.
Evolution
Focus on evolutionary aspects of MS, including how hormonal exposures may interact with genes that regulate immune function and risk for MS.