NEL
VOL. 22 No. 4
Clinical Report Full
text pdf
(76kb)
2001;
22:248-250 pii:
NEL220401C02 PMID: 11524631
High
incidence of hyperandrogenism-related clinical signs in
patients with multiple sclerosis by Paolo Falaschi, Antonio Martocchia, Antonella Proietti,
Rosaria DíUrso & Giovanni Antonini
Keywords:
MS, hyperandrogenism, premenstrual syndrome,
sex hormones, oral contraceptives
Submitted:
July 9, 2001
Accepted: July 17, 2001
Abstract:
A mild prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is present
in females (2:1). To elucidate the pathogenetic role of sex
steroids on the disease, we studied 76 women affected by MS,
compared to 50 healthy women (mean age ± SD, 34.9 ± 0.9 vs
33.4 ± 1.7 years). The menarche was at mean age of 12.3 ±
0.2 vs 12.4 ± 0.2. Interval between menses was 28.0 ± 0.3
vs 27.8 ± 0.3 days, with duration of menstrual flow of 5.0
± 0.2 vs 5.0 ± 0.2 days. Oligo- or amenorrhea was present
in 20% of patients and in 16% of controls. Oral contraceptives
were assumed by 21% of patients and 34% of controls (n.s.).
Premenstrual symptoms were found in 43% of patients and in
46% of controls (n.s.). The incidence of hyperandrogenism
(greasy skin, acne and hirsutism), evaluated by a specific
questionnaire, was higher and statistically significant in
MS patients than in controls (28% vs 10%, p<0.05). Further
studies, including a complete clinical and laboratory evaluation
of gonadal function, are necessary in order to clarify whether
hyperandrogenism may influence MS disease activity.
