Women, girls and epilepsy
Some issues around epilepsy and its treatment are specific to women and girls and do not apply in the same way to men. These include links between epilepsy and hormones, puberty, contraception, pregnancy, osteoporosis, and the menopause.
Contraception and epilepsy
Some methods of contraception may be less effective in preventing pregnancy for women taking certain anti-seizure medication (ASM). This is because some ASMs affect how well methods of contraception work.
Menopause and epilepsy
Taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may increase the risk of seizures for some women with epilepsy.
Giving birth and epilepsy
Information about the risk of seizures and pain relief available for women with epilepsy during childbirth.
Osteoporosis and epilepsy
Epilepsy and taking anti-seizure medication (ASM) may contribute to the risk of developing osteoporosis for some people.
Hormones, menstrual cycles, and periods
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.
Pregnancy and epilepsy
Most women with epilepsy do not have any change in their seizure frequency during pregnancy. However you might find that your seizures are better controlled during pregnancy, or that you have more seizures than is usual for you.
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.
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