Menopause and multiple sclerosis: the overlooked conversation in women's health

Menopause is an inevitable life stage for women and has a complex, often under-recognised interaction with multiple sclerosis. This article presents key insights from a recent webinar exploring the challenges and opportunities in supporting women with multiple sclerosis through contraception, perimenopause and menopause. Drawing on multidisciplinary expertise from neurology, general practice and specialist nursing, the discussion highlights the significant symptom overlap between multiple sclerosis and menopause, the safety and benefits of hormone replacement therapy, and the importance of proactive, individualised care. The article advocates for greater awareness, earlier conversations and closer collaboration between primary and specialist care teams to ensure women with multiple sclerosis are not disadvantaged during this pivotal transition.