Multiple Sclerosis and a Common Misdiagnosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is most common in women, with symptoms appearing between the ages of 20 and 40. What happens is that the myelin sheath (a layer of fat) surrounding the nerve cells begins to break down. The result is inflammation and ultimately damage to the nerve cells that give rise to symptoms that include:

For some people exposure to sunlight, heat, or stress can trigger symptoms.

For true MS there are no known treatments, though doctors frequently prescribe medications to try to alleviate symptoms. Unfortunately, such medications often cause unwelcome side-effects such as nausea, stomach disorders, reduction of cognitive function and disturbed sleep.

Over the last few years it has become apparent that misdiagnosis of MS is a major problem, with some studies suggesting that up to two-thirds of MS diagnoses may be incorrect. In many cases people who have been diagnosed with MS are actually suffering from hormonal imbalance, most often including low thyroid production. There is an increasing body of evidence (especially from several European countries) that physicians whose patients present with what appears to be possible MS should request a blood panel that includes T3 and T4, estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol. In many cases, treating hormone imbalances will result in complete cessation of MS-like symptoms.