‘Low T’ and MS Risk in Men

Statistics show that men are three times less likely than women to develop multiple sclerosis. Research has shown that men also develop MS at a later age than women and that their disease is more progressive. Could this all be related to “low T,” or low testosterone?

Researchers at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital have been researching this possibility. It’s part of a larger group of studies named CLIMB (Comprehensive Longitudinal Investigation of Multiple Sclerosis). Some of the findings that relate to testosterone are described in a recent article in the e-letter of the Accelerated Cure Project for MS.

Benefits versus risks

A better way to use testosterone with MS patients?

The Accelerated Cure Project article also reports that researchers at Northwestern University recently discovered that the immune system of someone with MS produces a cell called Th17 that can attack myelin. But they also found that in mice, Th17 production can be halted by a molecule called IL-33. And IL-33, these researchers say, appears to be produced by testosterone.

The Accelerated Care Project article concludes with the opinion that “treatment with testosterone is not a viable option for MS patients as its neuroprotective effect has yet to be confirmed and its risks outweigh its benefits. However, the newly discovered (Th17/IL-33) pathway testosterone regulates holds great promise in the development of more targeted therapies.”

Wouldn’t it be nice if “T” could be regulated to treat, and maybe even prevent, MS?

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