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fluctuations can have a dramatic effect on MS. 
Typically, MS inflammatory activity lessens 
during pregnancy, especially during the second 
and third trimesters. We then see a higher 
risk of relapses for about six months after the 
baby is born. But what about the hormonal 
fluctuations seen with menopause? Could 
those be linked to worsening MS? This study 
would argue that menopause is not linked to 
worsening MS. I would say this is consistent 
with my experience at our MS Institute. From a 
practical standpoint, this means women with MS 
can make any decisions about postmenopausal 
hormone replacement therapy independently 
from their MS diagnosis. 
Increased physical activity  
may reduce disability risk  
A large Swedish study followed 3,284 newly 
diagnosed people with relapsing-remitting MS 
for up to 15 years to analyze how physical 
activity affects long-term disability. Researchers 
found people who were moderately to highly 
active at time of diagnosis were much less 
likely to experience worsening disability  
compared to those with low activity levels. Those 
who increased their activity after diagnosis also 
had better outcomes, while reduced activity was 
linked to faster progression. The results suggest 
regular exercise may protect nerve cells and 
slow disease progression, independent of 
inflammation. The findings support including 
physical activity counseling as a standard part 
of MS care to help maintain mobility and delay 
disability. The findings were published in the 
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and 
Psychiatry. 
Thrower - Exercise is good for people living 
with MS. We cannot say that too frequently or 
too loudly. Most American adults do not get 
enough exercise. Adding a health condition 
such as MS may present with one more hurdle 
towards exercise goals. In reality, an MS diagnosis 
should serve as a major motivator to exercise. 
You can add this current study to a long list of 
others that have shown the benefits of exercise 
for those living with MS. Specifically, this study 
showed a decreased risk of confirmed disability 
from exercise in MS. The great news is that 
you did not have to be a fitness pro before 
your MS diagnosis to see this benefit. Those 
who started exercising after their MS diagnosis 
saw a reduction in their risk for future disability. 
It’s important to note that exercise plans can 
be adapted to almost any level of ability. At 
our MS Institute, we have a special interest 
in making sure that people with mobility 
challenges can still access and enjoy exercise. 
Before you perform any exercises, it is important 
to have a discussion with your healthcare team.
 
     Medicine & Research
Takeaways 
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archive anytime on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/MultipleSclerosisFoundation. 
 
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