MS-Perspektive - The Multiple Sclerosis Podcast
Subscribe to the podcast
I’m Nele, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2004 and have been studying Multiple Sclerosis Management (M. Sc.) since 2022. During my studies, I learn everything about this disease, from the basics of neuroimmunology and pathology to correct diagnosis and preventive and symptomatic treatment. Thanks to a detailed statistics module, I know how to assess the value of studies and the module on monitoring and documentation helps me to keep an eye on the disease at all times and to be able to react more quickly if necessary.
I try to pass on all the well-founded scientific findings and the expertise of the lecturers in the podcast in an easily understandable way and use my own experiences and conversations with other people affected to present the picture of MS in many different ways. It is my goal that as many other people with MS as possible are able to have the same wonderful and fulfilling life as I do. This is possible for the majority of people today, as knowledge and treatment options have increased enormously in recent years. I am doing my bit to pass on this knowledge in digestible bites.
Here you will find information and strategies on how you can actively influence your course. I publish individual articles with my experiences, interview experts on various topics related to living with MS as well as other people affected. In addition, there are some episodes that serve to relax, promote a positive attitude and provide inspiration.
You can search for specific topics using the search function and within the categories. There is also a blog article to read about almost every podcast. It’s best to subscribe to the podcast on a platform of your choice so that you never miss an episode.

Im MS-Perspektive Podcast stelle ich Dir meine Sichtweise die Multiple Sklerose vor und zeige Dir, wie Du das beste aus der Diagnose machen kannst. Denn ein schönes und erfülltes Leben ist auch mit Multipler Sklerose möglich. Hier findest Du Informationen und Strategien, wie Du Deinen Verlauf aktiv beeinflussen kannst. Dazu veröffentliche ich Solobeiträge mit meinen Erfahrungen, interviewe Experten und zu verschiedensten Themen rund um ein Leben mit MS sowie andere Betroffene. Außerdem gibt es einige bunte Folgen, die der Entspannung, positiven Einstellung und Anregung dienen.
In this episode of MS-Perspektive International, host Nele von Horsten talks with Dr. Riley Bove, Associate Professor of Neurology at UCSF, about how menopause impacts MS. They explore hormonal changes in perimenopause, why menopausal and MS symptoms overlap so strongly and what this means for diagnosis and daily life.
You can read through the cleaned transcript of the interview on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.de/EN/143-riley-bove
Dr. Bove explains the benefits and risks of hormone therapy, including the importance of the „window of opportunity“, and shares findings from recent studies using biomarkers like neurofilament light chain. She also offers practical advice on symptom management, lifestyle strategies and how women with MS can use midlife as a health checkpoint.
In this episode you’ll learn:
Which hormonal changes happen in perimenopause
Why menopause can mimic MS progression
How hormone therapy may help – and when to be careful
What biomarkers tell us about brain aging in MS
Which lifestyle strategies support women in this phase
How and where can people follow Dr. Bove’s research or get in touch?
Dr. Riley Bove: People are welcome to contact me by email via UCSF and to visit our lab website at bovelab.ucsf.edu. There, you can find more information about our research, publications and ongoing studies related to women’s health, menopause and MS.
—
For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free.
Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.

Information and tips on the topic of multiple sclerosis
- #117: Empower Yourself. Coping with MS, Fear, and a Changing World
- #116: Sugar and health. Why a sugar-reduced diet makes sense with Dr. Franz-Werner Dippel
- #114: Traveling with MS. 10 Tips for a Smooth Journey
- #109: Understanding Cognitive Reserve and Its Role in Multiple Sclerosis
- #108: How you can use ChatGPT (or another AI) to prepare for the doctor’s consultation
- #099: Insights from Groundbreaking MS Studies on Risks, Trends, and Equity an ECTRIMS Special
- #098: New Research for Managing Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS) an ECTRIMS Special
- #096: From Fatigue to Focus. The Power of Sleep and Exercise in Managing MS an ECTRIMS Special
- #094: Effects of the Mediterranean diet on MS an ECTRIMS Special
- #093: Aging with MS an ECTRIMS Special
- #091: New treatment strategies in MS an ECTRIMS Special
- #089: Understanding the Hidden Challenges of MS: Sexual, Bladder, and Bowel Health an ECTRIMS Special
- #086: Navigating Menopause with MS – Key insights on symptom progression, aging, and personalized care (ECTRIMS Special)
- #085: ECTRIMS Special on innovative MS rehabilitation for better quality of life
- #083: ECTRIMS Special on De-escalation and discontinuation of therapies for MS – What does it mean and how can it work?
- #080: B-Cell Depletion – Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), Ofatumumab (Kesimpta, Bonspri), Rituximab (Mabthera, Rituxan), Ublituximab (Briumvi) for active RRMS and SPMS, and early PPMS
- Special: ECTRIMS 2024 – Personalized MS treatments, genetic risk factors and the benefits of early, effective therapies for women and children
- #078: Cladribine (Mavenclad, Leustat, Litak) for highly active MS
- #076: Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada, Campath) for highly active Multiple Sclerosis
- #075: Decoding the EDSS Score. How It’s Measured and What It Means
- #074: S1P Modulators – Fingolimod (Gilenya), Ozanimod (Zeposia), Ponesimod (Ponvory), Siponimod (Mayzent) for active RRMS & SPMS
- #072: Natalizumab (Tysabri, Tyruko) for active relapsing remitting MS
- #070: Teriflunomide (Aubagio) for relapsing remitting MS
- #068: Interferon-beta (Avonex, Betaferon, Extavia, Plegridy, Rebif, …) for CIS, RRMS & SPMS
- #067: MS Speech Therapy Insights. Enhancing Communication and Swallowing
- #065: Glatiramer Acetate (Copaxone) for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis
- #063: Finding Joy Again. Navigating MS-Related Sexual Dysfunction
- #062: Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) & Diroximel fumarate (Vumerity) for relapsing remitting MS
- #061: How to recognize bladder disorders in MS with the help of a simple questionnaire
- #060: Overcoming MS Sleep Challenges for Restful Nights and Brighter Days.
- #057: Depression and MS. How to find your way back to emotional balance
- #054: Living Fully with MS. Managing Bladder and Bowel Disorders
- #051: MS Symptom Pain. How to regain your quality of life
- #047: Spasticity in MS – far more than normal muscle cramps
- #046: MS and Adventure: 10 Essential Traveling Tips You Can’t Miss
- #044: Mind Matters. Navigating Neuropsychological Testing with MS
- #042: Movement restrictions in MS – how to maintain your strength, balance and mobility in the best possible way
- #038: Brain health. Time matters in multiple sclerosis – Summary of the report
- #033: Can neurodegeneration be treated in MS by modulating HERV-W? Interview with Prof. Dr. Patrick Küry
- #032: ECTRIMS 2023. Day 3. Paediatric MS. Female Health. Prodromic MS. HSCT in MS.
- #031: ECTRIMS 2023. Day 2. Menopause. Treatment Efficacy. Immune Reconstitution Therapy. Healthy Lifestyle.
- #030: ECTRIMS 2023. 10 Hot Topics and my highlights of day 1
- #028: Clearing the Fog – Understanding Vision Problems in Multiple Sclerosis
- #026: Cognitive disorders in MS – when the mind goes on strike
- #019: Sensory disturbances in MS – from waddling to electricity shocks
- #018: Movement limitations in MS – how to best maintain strength, balance and mobility
- #016: What is fatigue and how do you deal with it best?
- #012: Overview about possible MS Symptoms
- #010: The disease-modifying therapy (DMT) to prevent MS progression
- #008: Different types of treatment and prevention for MS
- #007: The types of MS – from prodromal phase to progressive course
- #005: Whom do I tell about my MS diagnosis?
- #003: 10 reasons to see a neurologist who specializes in MS
- #002: How can a rapid and clear diagnosis be made?
MS Patients
- #123: Living with MS & Making a Difference. Claudia’s Journey of Fundraising, Resilience, and Hope
- #122: Living with MS in South Africa. Insights from Advocate & MSSA Vice-Chair Christelle Taute
- #121: MS, TheMay50K, and mental strength – a conversation with Susanne Melanie Schmid
- #120: From MS to Advocacy. How One Young Scientist Is Changing the Conversation with Luigi Azzarone
- #111: Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding with multiple sclerosis—my personal experiences
- #105: The Sumaira Foundation & NMO: How One Woman’s Journey is Changing Lives Worldwide
- #092: Empowering the MS Community. Advocacy, Diversity, and Inclusion with patient expert Roxy Murray
- #090: Empowering the black MS community – advocacy, awareness, and support with Natalie Diana Busari
- #082: Living with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) in Denmark with Leda Bresnov
- #073: “Haciendo Lo Invisible, Visible”. Crys’s Journey of Invisible Battles and Visible Triumphs as Latina with MS in the US
- #069: Beyond Boundaries. Advocacy, Research, and Recognition in MS with Rachel Horne
- #059: Scoring for Science. The Dunk MS Fundraiser with Blake Arnet
- #048: Living with progressive MS in Canada. Interview with patient advocate Ardra Shephard
- #045: NoStressMS – Entertaining education about MS. Interview with Damian Washington
- #035: Empowering people with MS for a fulfilling life. Interview with Coach Indu Khurana
- #034: Inclusive Advocacy – Elevating Diverse Voices in Patient Engagement for MS Patients. Interview with Trishna Bharadia
- #029: Living a fulfilling life with MS in the USA. Interview with patient leader Cathy Chester
- #025: Living with progressive MS. Interview with disability advocate Mark Webb from UK
- #023: Interview with Tamara Fumagalli from Italy about her life, writing and travelling with MS
- #021: Living with MS in Ireland. Interview with patient advocate Ciara O’Meara
- #017: Living with MS in Italy. Interview with patient expert Paola Kruger
- #015: Living with MS in Belgium. Interview with patient advocate Pieter van Galen
- #011: Empowerment through adventure. Interview with Lori Schneider
- #006: Interview with Tania Pilz about the international MS-Community Austria and more
- #001: My (Nele Handwerkers) personal journey with MS
MS Experts
- #118: Train Your Brain. How the Brain Health Challenge Empowers People with MS
- #115: Stem Cell Therapy for MS – A Conversation with Prof. Christoph Heesen
- #113: NeuroMamaTribe & Empowering Women with MS – Movement, Mindfulness & Motherhood with Dr. Irina Fedulow Plante
- #110: 10 things you should know about MRI scans for MS with neuroradiologist Prof. Mike Wattjes
- #107: LGBTQ+ and MS: The Fight for Inclusive and Equitable Care with Dr. William Conte
- #106: Trigeminal neuralgia and MS – an invisible challenge. Interview with Dr. Monika Köchling
- #104: Leveraging AI in MS Care and Shared Decision-Making with Dr. Stefan Ebener
- #103: Can epigenetic research transform MS treatment? Insights into DNA methylation and MS progression with Dr. Majid Pahlevan Kakhki
- #102: MS and domestic abuse. Raising awareness, offering support, creating change with Sue Britt
- #101: Shared Decision Making and AI. Making the best decisions for MS together with Dr. Sven Jungmann
- #100: The Future of MS Care. Can Digital Twins Predict Your Disease Progression? With Prof. Tjalf Ziemssen
- #097: Late-Onset Multiple Sclerosis (LOMS): Symptoms, treatment options, and prognosis with Dr. Abdulkadir Tunc
- #095: Hidden Challenges – Exploring Smoldering MS with Prof. Gavin Giovannoni
- #088: Immune Tolerance and MS. How the RED4MS study could change MS treatment with Dr. Andreas Lutterotti
- #087: Understanding and managing Neuromyelitis Optica (NMOSD). Latest Advances in treatment with Dr. Luis Alfonso Zarco
- 084: Vascular dysfunction and Multiple Sclerosis. How Your vessels Could Shape Your MS Journey with Dr. Jonathan Pansieri
- #081: Navigating Treatment and Support for MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD in Montenegro with Dr. Sanja Gluscevic
- #079: How your gut microbiome could influence MS with Prof. Dr. Natalia Szejko
- #077: Tailoring MS Treatment. The Impact of Mood Disorders on Patient Care with Dr. Emine Rabia Koç
- #071: Insights into MS treatment in Colombia with neurologist Dr. Adriana Casallas Vanegas
- #066: Pioneering Paths. Empowering Young Minds in MS & NMO Research with Dr. Sara Samadzadeh
- #064: Navigating MS Treatment in Turkey with Neurologist and Associate Professor Meral Seferoglu
- #058: Immunotherapy for MS. A guide to efficacy and choice with Prof. Tjalf Ziemssen
- #056: Insights into the activities of the European Charcot Foundation with Prof. Giancarlo Comi
- #055: Therapeutic decisions regarding pregnancy and lactation with Prof. Celia Oreja-Guevara
- #053: EBV Insights. Shedding Light on Its Impact on MS with Prof. Dr. Christian Münz
- #052: Sequencing and Escalation in MS Treatment with Prof. Tomas Kalincik
- #050: Future Treatment of MS. Interview with Prof. Tjalf Ziemssen
- #049: CogeX Study Insights for Progressive MS on Cognitive Rehabilitation with Prof. Anthony Feinstein
- #044: Shared Decision Making (SDN) for Treatment Success in MS. Interview with Prof. Christoph Heesen
- #040: Autologous stem cell therapy (aHSCT) in MS. Facts and experiences with Dr. Roland Martin
- #039: Interview with Dr. Barry Singer on precision medicine for MS
- #037: Nourand – Unlocking the Nutritional Code for MS with Dr. Mireia Sospedra
- #036: Rehabilitation in MS (RIMS) – Interview with Dr. Lars Hvid about the scope and projects
- #024: Research on myelin repair. Interview with Dr. Markley Silva Oliveira on the effect of corticosteroid medrysone
- #022: Exploring exercise’s immune benefits and MS symptom relief: Prof. Ulrik Dalgas shares insights
- #020: How to optimize employment and prevent job loss for people with MS. Interview with Dr. Blanca De Dios
- #014: Smoking and MS. Why and how to quit? Interview with Dr. Claudia Marck
- #013: How to prevent falls caused by MS. Interview with Laurits Taul Madsen
- #009: Motoric Cognitive Risk (MCR) Syndrome in MS. Interview with Dr. Alon Kalron
- #004: Interview with Dr. Aaron Boster on the 10 red flags when to change your neurologist