The Effect of Physical Activity Levels on Dysmenorrhea Severity, Menstrual Symptoms, and Functional and Emotional Status in Women Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune, and demyelinating disease that causes damage to the white matter of the central nervous system. It is typically seen between the ages of 20 and 40. The incidence of MS is reported to be three times higher in women than in men. Although its etiology is not definitively known, it is thought that a combination of genetic predisposition and a non-genetic trigger-such as a virus, metabolism, or environmental factors-leads to recurring immune attacks on the central nervous system, resulting in a self-sustaining autoimmune disorder.

These factors, along with hormonal influences, contribute to the gender-related differences observed in MS. The main types of MS include relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, primary progressive, and progressive-relapsing. The relapsing-remitting form is more common in women and is characterized by an earlier onset, more inflammatory lesions, and more frequent attacks. The higher prevalence of MS in women highlights the impact of hormonal factors on disease progression. Hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can cause variations in symptoms among women with MS. Some women with MS experience worsening symptoms before menstruation.

This worsening is most frequently reported in women with relapsing-remitting MS and is likely due to both new demyelinating plaques (exacerbation) and temporary symptom increases associated with previous plaques (pseudo-exacerbation). While the effects of hormonal fluctuations on MS are known, the overall impact of menstrual cycles on health should not be overlooked. The menstrual period is characterized by symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, which can negatively affect women's quality of life.

Dysmenorrhea is categorized into primary and secondary types. Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common form and is characterized by menstrual pain occurring before or during menstruation without any underlying pelvic disease. It typically begins 1-2 years after menarche or within 6-12 months and can persist until the age of 40. Dysmenorrhea is not limited to pain; it is also associated with emotional and physical symptoms such as irritability, depression, sleep disturbances, fatigue, decreased work performance, and functional limitations.

In women with MS, increased hormonal fluctuations may exacerbate existing neurological symptoms and intensify menstrual symptoms. This suggests that dysmenorrhea management in women with MS should be specifically evaluated. Physical activity is defined as any repetitive movement generated by skeletal muscles that results in an increased metabolic response compared to resting levels. Various studies have shown that regular physical activity is effective in reducing inflammation, supporting pain management, and improving psychological well-being.

In individuals with MS, the long-term immunomodulatory effects of physical activity are well known. Exercise has been shown to reduce inflammation and partially regulate neuroimmune parameters related to T-cell behavior. Similarly, physical activity has been reported to have a positive effect on menstrual symptoms such as dysmenorrhea. However, no studies have specifically investigated the impact of physical activity on dysmenorrhea severity, menstrual symptoms, and emotional status in women with MS.

Existing literature provides valuable insights into how physical activity affects disease symptoms in women with MS, but studies focusing on dysmenorrhea and menstrual symptoms are lacking. This study aims to fill this gap in the literature and contribute to clinical practice by evaluating the effects of physical activity levels on dysmenorrhea severity, menstrual symptoms, and functional and emotional status in women diagnosed with MS.