MSM Side Effects
Health Benefits

MSM Side Effects | How to Avoid Risks & Reactions

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Urine Retention
Posted by William (Colorado) on 07/27/2013

Seeking information and assistance on the following:

I started on MSM several months ago hoping to alleviate a trigger finger and thumb condition. I took it in the morning along with fruit and high quality Kefir that I make myself.

After some two months the trigger problem finger diminished, however one day after an increased dose of the msm I developed an inability to urinate. I stopped the MSM and Kefir and the dysuria condition abated. When I resumed the MSM and Kefir it came back. I've done this three times so I believe I have established the connection.

Now that I've been off the MSM a few weeks the trigger finger has shown up again. Please share your thoughts with me. William

Rash
Posted by Jean (Atlanta, Ga) on 06/09/2012

Ann, Can you or anyone else offer a little more reassurance about the side effects of MSM? I started using it in the powdered form about a week ago. The label suggested 1/2 tsp. In 8 oz. of water. After about 2 days I noticed a mild rash on my arms and stomach. By day 4 the mild rash became severe and also spread to my thighs and backs.

It's late spring and I first suspected flea bites, but our pets have been treated and my husband had none of these little red marks. After racking my brains I realized the only new thing I'd introduced into my diet or environment was the MSM. On day 5, I stopped the MSM and the marks on my back largely went away. Those on my thighs and stomach persisted; perhaps they shrank slightly.

To test MSM as the culprit, on day 6 I took the merest pinch of it -- an 1/8 of a tsp, if that. Within an hour, the rash on my legs and stomach intensified. It spread to my chest area for the first time. Additionally, on two spots of my stomach, the redness resembled hives more than a rash. Whether as rash or hives, btw, it itches!

I'm 49 years old, was diagnosed as hyperthyroid three years ago, and have been slowly healing myself through diet and vitamins, acupuncture and meditation. I've been off the methimazole for months and returned to my customary weight (about 10 lbs over the normal range) about a year ago. I'm perimenopausal, so my hormone levels are undoubtedly fluctuating, and what bugs me the most, health-wise, is my on-going fatigue and hand/wrist numbness (I call it carpal tunnel, which is commonly associated with thyroid problems, but I've never seen a neurologist to have it formally diagnosed. You know--money issues.)

In short, I'd love to reap the benefits that MSM seems to promise most people here on Earth Clinic, but the intensity of the rash has me worried. I've never had a skin condition before, so to be wearing a rash for a week, so to speak, is a little creepy. Others have talked about cutting back on the dosage, but to cut back on the miniscule amount of a pinch is to eliminate it entirely.

I bought what seems to be a good quality form of the powder. The brand label asserts no wheat, dairy, gluten, sugar, yeast, etc. , I. E. , it claims to be hypoallergenic and suitable for vegetarians. I bought it from a reputable grocery chain.

So...suggestions, reassurances, tales of similar experiences from braver pioneers than me, anyone?

Thanks in advance for any help provided!

Rash
Posted by Miserable_in_bama (Oneonta, Alabama, United States) on 06/09/2012

I take it 2x a day and never experienced any problems. Sounds like you are allergic to it. If you want to try it again, buy another brand, and maybe lower your dosage. It's one of those things our bodies need but can't store, just like vitamin C, so doubtful you are allergic, you get it from a lot of foods you eat. It's a real basic form of sulphur that comes from the ocean if I remember right.



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