Women and epilepsy
Some issues around epilepsy and its treatment are specific to women and do not apply in the same way to men. These include links between epilepsy and hormones, puberty, contraception, pregnancy and the menopause.
Menopause and epilepsy
Taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may increase the risk of seizures for some women with epilepsy.
Osteoporosis and epilepsy
Epilepsy and taking anti-epileptic drugs may contribute to the risk of developing osteoporosis for some people.
Hormones, puberty and menstruation
Changes in hormone levels means that epilepsy treatment may need to change through a woman’s life. In this section, when we refer to women, this also includes girls of childbearing age.
Contraception and epilepsy
Some methods of contraception may be less effective in preventing pregnancy for women taking certain anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). This is because some AEDs (enzyme-inducing AEDs) affect how well methods of contraception work. Non-enzyme-inducing AEDs are unlikely to affect contraception.
Sodium valproate latest
The latest news around the Anti-Epileptic Drug Sodium valproate.
Giving birth and epilepsy
Information about the risk of seizures and pain relief available for women with epilepsy during childbirth.
Celebrating women in epilepsy
International Women's Day, celebrating women's achievements around the world.
Mel's story
Mel talks about her experience from being first diagnosed with epilepsy, to becoming pregnant and seeking treatment and support from Epilepsy Society at our Sir William Gowers medical centre.
Emma Friedmann and the sodium valproate announcement
Emma Friedmann is a parent carer of her 19 year old son who has fetal valproate syndrome. On the 21st February 2018, she attended parliament when the government announced their decision to review handling of concerns around sodium valproate.
Sodium valproate - are you receiving the right information?
Our sodium valproate survey showed us that almost 70% of the women surveyed haven't received new safety warnings about the dangers of taking it during pregnancy.
