Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 26, 2026

Author Spotlight: Creating a Versatile Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model Relevant for Both Male and Female Mice
Published on: October 13, 2023
Gender identity disorders and multiple sclerosis risk: A national record-linkage study
Julia Pakpoor1, Clare J Wotton1, Klaus Schmierer2
1Unit of Health-Care Epidemiology, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Background:
An altered balance of gonadal hormones in males with gender identity disorders (GIDs) may increase multiple sclerosis (MS) risk both inherently and secondary to treatment in undergoing male-to-female conversion.
Objective:
We investigated any association between GIDs and MS through analysis of record-linked hospital statistics.
Method:
Analysis of English Hospital Episode Statistics, 1999-2012.
Results:
The adjusted rate ratio (RR) of MS following GIDs in males was 6.63 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.81-17.01, p = 0.0002). The RR of MS following GIDs in females was 1.44 (95% CI = 0.47-3.37, p = 0.58).
Conclusion:
We report a strong association between GIDs and MS in male-to-females, supporting a potential role for low testosterone and/or feminising hormones on MS risk in males.
Related Concept Videos
Dissociative Identity Disorder
Sex Linked Disorders
Sex-linked Disorders
Bipolar Disorder
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Disorders of the Nervous Tissue
Homeostatic Imbalances:
Alzheimer's disease manifests as a gradual decline in memory and cognitive abilities, attributed to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Parkinson's disease arises from the...

