Multiple Sclerosis Rates Rise in Women

Sixty years ago, twice as many women as men had multiple sclerosis. A new study says the ratio stands at four to one, and scientists don't know why.

The author of the latest report has said more must now be done to explore unknown physiological changes that have occurred in women since the middle of the 20th century, including use of the Pill, earlier menstruation, higher obesity rates, changes in smoking habits, and women having children later in life. [...]

We also need to ask general questions about what women do differently than men, such as use of hair dye and use of cosmetics that may block vitamin D absorption," Dr. Cutter added.

What remains to be seen is how closely the database used in the study reflects the MS community at large. The data was taken from the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis, which tracks 31,000 people who volunteer semi-annual clinical information about their disease.

Might women simply be more likely to volunteer their time and information than men? Could some other combination of factors have skewed the findings? Given the huge disparity, it doesn't seem likely, but time will tell.

Four times more women than men developing MS, study shows [The Herald]

Image: National Multiple Sclerosis Society