MS symptoms 'eased' by pregnancy

24 May 2012 Last updated at 20:02 ET

Researchers are carrying out clinical trials to find out if women with a range of autoimmune diseases could be helped by hormones found in pregnancy.

Women with a range of conditions, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disease report dramatic improvements in their symptoms during pregnancy.

However many say their conditions return, or worsen, after childbirth.

Two clinical trials are being held in France and California.

Researchers want to find out whether increasing levels of progesterone or oestrogen could protect women from relapses after childbirth.

The MS Society has welcomed the study but urged some caution.

Chief executive Simon Gillespie said: "This is encouraging. Some of the research going on, particularly the research in France at the moment, gives a potential clue and a potential way forward on treatments but long-term use of hormones is problematic. It does cause risks.

"So therefore the research needs to be done properly to identify what the benefits are and what the risks are before there can be any genuine therapeutic use."

The results from the French study are due in October.

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MS symptoms 'eased' by pregnancy