High incidence of hyperandrogenism-related clinical signs in patients with multiple sclerosis.
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.
Falaschi
P
P
II Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy. paolo.falaschi@uniroma1.it
Martocchia
A
A
Proietti
A
A
D'Urso
R
R
Antonini
G
G
D000328:Adult; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017588:Hyperandrogenism / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015994:Incidence; D007558:Italy; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications*; D012016:Reference Values
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral