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Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Is it a relapse or is it hormonal? I'm 54 and perimenopausal

October 17, 2025
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A MyMSTeam Member

I went through about 10 years of perimenopause, recently hitting menopause. Although I'm sure every person's experience is a little different, feeling overwhelmingly hot was definitely perimenopause. Any pain was caused by MS or other issues. In order to know if the pain was MS, I considered how weird it was. Honestly. If it was weird, the neurologist knew what it was. So my none-professional thoughts are HEAT= perimenopause, exacerbated by ms, PAIN = MS.
*Hang in there. The heat issues eventually get better!
I hope this helps 🧡

October 18, 2025
MyMSTeam

A true MS relapse involves new or worsening symptoms that
- Last more than 24 hours
- Occur at least 30 days after any previous flare-up
- Develop over 24-48 hours and reach peak severity within several days
- Are not explained by other factors

What you're experiencing could be a pseudo-flare, which can be triggered by
- Show Full Answer

A true MS relapse involves new or worsening symptoms that:
- Last more than 24 hours
- Occur at least 30 days after any previous flare-up
- Develop over 24-48 hours and reach peak severity within several days
- Are not explained by other factors

What you're experiencing could be a pseudo-flare, which can be triggered by:
- Heat sensitivity
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Small increases in body temperature

Pseudo-flares typically resolve within 24 hours once the trigger is addressed. Many people find it challenging to distinguish between a true relapse and temporary symptom flare. As one MyMSTeam member noted, symptoms can "creep up slowly, making it difficult to know if it's a relapse or not."

Given the combination of MS symptoms and hormonal changes, it's important to contact your healthcare team. They can help determine if you're experiencing a true relapse requiring treatment or if your symptoms are related to other factors. They can also discuss management strategies specific to your situation.

October 17, 2025

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