MS is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system and a major problem is the loss of the myelin sheath, which insulates nerves. The main symptoms of MS are because of a breakdown of the nerve signalling and unfortunately medicine has little to offer the sufferer.
However, a team of French researchers (Koenig et al, 1995) discovered that progesterone is made by the Schwann cells (the activity of these cells is central to the MS disease picture. In this animal study they discovered that by adding progesterone near damaged nerves they noticed a significant increse in the thickness of the new myelin sheath. Since then further studies have confirmed and advanced this research Gago et al in 2001, Guennoun et al, 2001, Mercier et al, 2001, Guennoun et al a further study in 2001 and Baulieu & Schumacher in 2000 and Desarnaud et al in 1998).
As an autoimmune disease (which affects women more than men) hormone balance or should I say imbalance plays a critical part of the picture. Autimmune problems can result in high oestrogen levels, which adds to imbalance. Progesterone will reverse the effects of the lymphocytes that cause the problem and encourage the conversion to weaker forms of oestrogen.
What I am trying to say is that hormone balance can play a very worthwhile part in any health strategy to stave off the impact of MS. I hope this helps.
Best wishes
Alyssa Burns-Hill, MSc, FRSH, MIHPE
Hormone Health Specialist