Periods and Epilepsy

[NicEllaDawn]

Does anybody find that just before and during their periods they tend to have a lot of seizures? I struggle with this every month and it is a real challenge because I find my epilepsy can be a real problem as a result of this! I can end up having all different types of seizure as well from absence, myoclonic, tonic clonic to the odd focal! It is absolutely awful!

[isthatamanda]

Omg yes! So I’ve only had 4 seizures in 3 years, but when I’ve had them I’ve been on my period. It might be a coincidence because you’d think I’d have them every month if that was the case. I’ve taken Lemotrigine for a year and a half and no seizures since, but I’ve also been on birth control and I haven’t had a period for that amount of time too. I did think that maybe just taking the birth control pill might stop me having seizures but I don’t want to stop taking lemotrigine just in case. It’s hard when you don’t know what’s causing them.

Before having anti seizure medication I told every doctor that I was on my period every time it happened but they didn’t really listen.

It might be worth speaking to a doctor about this and consider taking birth control (I take Desogestrel) to see if it does stop you having seizures every month. I know it might not be something you want to take but it’s just a suggestion.

Also if this is a option for you, make sure you check that the birth control pill works ok with the anti seizure medication because it says on the medication precaution slip inside the box that certain ones might not work together.

I hope I’ve helped a bit.

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action]

Hi NicEllaDawn

If you notice that you have more seizures than usual at certain times in your monthly cycle. This might be at the start of your period, around the middle of your cycle (when you ovulate) or in the week before your period.

When there is a regular pattern to this happening it’s known as catamenial epilepsy.

We have more information and treatment options on our webpage epilepsy.org.uk/info/seizur...

Please contact our helpline if you wish to discuss this further. The Epilepsy Action Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050 is Monday to Friday 8.30am until 5.00pm and Saturday 10.00am until 4.00pm. UK calls only.

Regards

Diane

Helpline Team

[Pin1]

My daughter also experiences this. I did talk through using birth control (monthly injection) with her GP / hospital to regulate her hormones.

[NicEllaDawn in reply to Pin1]

Did they do this after you spoke with them about it and if they did did it help?

[NicEllaDawn]

Does anybody who suffers with tonic clonic seizures find that if they have more than one that sometimes when they are just starting to recover their whole body can go into spasm and people can think you are having another seizure when you are not and it only ever lasts a couple of minutes and you are conscious and aware of your surroundings you just cant control your body!