My MS and My Menstrual Cycle

Studies

Study Title: My MS and My Menstrual Cycle
Rationale: To evaluate the severity and timing of MS symptoms with timing of menstrual cycles in women living with MS.
Study Description: The goal of this observational study is to learn how MS-related symptoms change throughout the menstrual cycle in females living with MS. The main questions it aims to answer are:

  • Does MS-related fatigue vary by menstrual cycle phase?
  • How do other symptoms like cognition, symptom burden, and coping skills differ across different menstrual cycle phases?

Participants will:

  • Download and use the My Normative app to track their menstrual cycle and MS symptoms
  • Complete symptom assessments at five key points during their menstrual cycle for six months
  • Provide information on fatigue, cognition, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and other MS symptoms at the beginning and end of the study

    • These findings may help researchers understand patterns in MS symptom severity and improve symptom management strategies for women with MS.
Starting Date: 2025-02-19
Ending Date: 2027-01-27
Who can participate: This study is open to female individuals who have a confirmed diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and experience a regular menstrual cycle. Participants must be 16 years or older, still menstruating with cycles ranging from 21 to 35 days, and able to complete questionnaires and operate the app.

University of Alberta
Email: msstudy@ualberta.ca
University of Calgary
Email:calgarymsresearch@ucalgary.ca
Trial Institution: University of Alberta
Trial Investigator: Dr. Penny Smyth
Trial Funding: Internal Funds eg. Start-up funds, TLEF (Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund Operational)