In this episode of The Raw Nerve, we mark Women’s Health Week 2024 and explore multiple sclerosis, the lived experience of MS and women’s health. This in-depth, powerful episode is tailor-made for people living with or newly diagnosed with MS, those curious to learn about MS, also MS research.

Joining our host, MS Australia Board Director Sharlene Brown, today’s guests include Lilian Law, a young Australian about to commence working in law in New York and Ebony Moffat, Communications Officer for MS Australia. Sharlene, Lily and Ebony live with MS. Our other guest, Dr Julia Morahan, Head of Research, MS Australia, shares fascinating insights into MS research and about some of the clues we have to solve the puzzle of why three out of four people who develop MS are women.

With warmth and kindness, Sharlene, Lily and Ebony discuss their lived experience of MS and Dr Morahan talks through MS research in particular pertaining to women.

Women’s Health Week 2024 shines a spotlight on some of the biggest issues in women’s health, under the banner of ‘Your voice. Your choice’. Our host and guests explore how some of these issues, including Women’s Health Week’s Tuesday topic ‘Courageous Conversations’, relate to MS and how they are experienced by women living with MS.

Passionate about empowering other women with MS, Ebony, Lily and Sharlene generously share some of the strategies that have worked for them. Our guests discuss the importance of early diagnosis, support networks and finding the right healthcare team, namely GPs, neurologists, MS nurses and other important health professionals to help in the treatment and management of MS.

Dr Morahan talks about some of the hoped-for new research focus areas to address research gaps for women living with MS, which MS Australia and other MS organisations around the world are trying spotlight.

Women with MS are first and foremost women, and today’s Raw Nerve episode provides some vital health messages, for example when you’re living with MS, conditions other than MS can affect your MS. Our guests also share tips to help manage the impact of MS on one’s daily life.

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