Ever since receiving her own diagnosis in 2021, US actress Christina Applegate has used her platform to break down inaccuracies and stigmas associated with multiple sclerosis.
And recently, one of her candid confessions had shed an unexpectedly bright light onto some lesser known symptoms of the chronic condition, many of which can only be experienced by female sufferers.
For those out of the loop, the Dead To Me actress was just 49 when she was dealt the devastating health blow.
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Whilst working on the third series of her Netflix comedy-drama, she began to suspect that something was seriously wrong - and just weeks later, the heartbreaking news was broken to her by medics.
Since then, however, Applegate has attempted to use her diagnosis as a means of doing good, and is not only keeping her fans updated on her health journey every step of the way.
Speaking on her popular Messy podcast this week - which she hosts with actress and fellow MS sufferer Jamie-Lynn Sigler - she recalled one of the earliest symptoms she experienced, a loss of balance.
Recalling a scene in the pilot episode of the series, she told listeners: "I remember falling that day - hi, first sign of MS!"
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Applegate also previously revealed that some other of her symptoms dated back years before she actually knew about her condition.
She also had no idea that several symptoms were only limited to women.
What is MS?
First of all, let's go back to basics.
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MS is a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be mild.
It's also an autoimmune condition which means that when something goes wrong with the immune system, it mistakenly attacks a healthy part of the body – in this case, the brain or spinal cord of the nervous system.
In MS, the immune system attacks the layer that surrounds and protects the nerves called the myelin sheath.
"This damages and scars the sheath, and potentially the underlying nerves, meaning that messages travelling along the nerves become slowed or disrupted," the NHS notes.
What are the symptoms of MS?
The NHS explains that it can cause a wide range of potential symptoms which can vary widely from person to person and can affect any part of the body.
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The main symptoms include:
- fatigue
- difficulty walking
- vision problems, such as blurred vision
- problems controlling the bladder
- numbness or tingling in different parts of the body
- muscle stiffness and spasms
- problems with balance and co-ordination
- problems with thinking, learning and planning
What are the symptoms of MS in women?
According to WebMD, diseases that affect the immune system are often 'more severe' in men.
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"For example, MS affects many more women than men overall, but when it comes to the primary progressive form (PPMS), men get it in equal numbers to women," the site explains.
"PPMS tends to be harder to diagnose and treat than the relapsing remitting form of MS."
Just like heart attacks, the signs of MS in women differ vastly from those in men.
According to Very Well Health, hormones may play in a role in why women are more susceptible to MS.
Menstrual Problems
The site explains: "Females with MS often experience more MS symptoms around the time they are going through premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and during their period.
"Before you get your period, sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) decline, which can trigger symptoms of both PMS and MS."
This then suggests that hormones not only regulate your menstrual cycle but may play a role in MS activity in the body.
The publication adds: "If you have irregular cycles, MS may be the cause. Research shows that an MS diagnosis is linked to irregular periods in some people."
Pregnancy-Related Symptoms
MS 'does not seem' to reduce the chances of getting pregnant and carrying a pregnancy to term, the site says.
Research showing that MS relapses decreased during pregnancy and increased back up to pre-pregnancy rates by three months postpartum.
The site recommends speaking with a doctor about possible treatment options if you plan on getting pregnant.
Menopause
Women may also experience a 'worsening' of symptoms after menopause as, during this period, oestrogen levels drop 'dramatically'.
The decline of oestrogen levels in the body also shares symptoms with MS including; bladder problems, decline in sexual arousal, depression, fatigue, mood swings and trouble concentrating.
You can find out more about MS here.
Rhianna Benson