Menstrual‑related seizure changes occur in around one‑third of women with epilepsy, and some studies report rates as high as one half of women.
When females with epilepsy have a tendency to have more seizures at certain times of the menstrual cycle, it is called catamenial epilepsy. Catamenial epilepsy is when seizures are triggered by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. Seizures at this time may also occur in relation to:
- Sleep disruption
- Fluid retention
- Reduced blood levels of medications before menstruation
- Stress and anxiety.
Females with catamenial epilepsy will have more seizures during certain times of their cycle. This may be:
- Just before or during menstruation, or
- During ovulation, mid-cycle when an egg moves from the ovary down the fallopian tubes.
Menstrual Changes
Epilepsy and hormones are closely linked. The parts of the brain involved in seizures also help regulate hormones, so it’s not unusual for epilepsy to influence the menstrual cycle. Some females notice:
- no periods, irregular periods or unpredictable periods,
- heavier or lighter bleeding,
- delayed or missed ovulation,
- the formation of ovarian cysts,
- polycystic ovaries.
It is well recognised that sodium valproate is associated with period disturbances.
Recognising these problems early and understanding their involvement with the seizures is important to knowing how best to treat them. It’s worth mentioning these symptoms, or any symptoms that worry you, to your GP or neurologist. They can check whether it’s related to hormones, medication, or something else.
To help identify if hormones play any role in your seizure patterns try doing things like:
- Keeping a seizure diary, of your menstrual cycle, and the days that you have seizures.
- Include notes about other things that might be important, such as missed medication, late nights, stress, or illness.
- Share this information with your doctor, and you can work together to help manage your epilepsy more effectively.
