Potential Issues for Women with Epilepsy

Sometimes, women with epilepsy face additional health challenges or unique issues that may not be faced by men with epilepsy. These can include:

• Issues related to puberty and adolescence (such as hormones and menstruation)
• Issues related to reproductive health (such as sexual health, contraception, pregnancy, and parenting)
• Issues related to older age (such as bone health and menopause)
• Issues related to certain anti-epileptic medications.

If you are a woman with epilepsy who would like more information on the above, we have listed some helpful resources below:

• Hormones and Epilepsy in Women: If you notice an increase in seizures at certain times during your menstrual cycle, hormones may be a factor in your epilepsy. A seizure journal is a great way to track when your seizures occur and can help you make these important connections.
• Special Concerns about Epilepsy for Teenage Girls: This information sheet answers a lot of questions that younger women may have about epilepsy.
• Special Concerns about Seizure Medications for Women: Some anti-epileptic medications may impact contraception and pregnancy. The information sheets below provide specific information.
• Epilepsy and Contraception: Certain anti-epileptic medications may affect some contraceptive methods and vice versa. 
• Epilepsy and Sexual Relationships for Women: Many people with epilepsy do not experience issues with sexual health, however, some people experience issues. This resource contains information on this.
• Pregnancy and the Mother’s Health: Over 90% of women with epilepsy who choose to become pregnant have healthy babies. Here are some special concerns for women with epilepsy to know when considering children.
• Pregnancy and the Developing Child: Over 90% of women with epilepsy who choose to become pregnant have healthy babies. Here are some special concerns for  women with epilepsy to know when considering children.
• Parenting Concerns for the Mother with Epilepsy: Some women with epilepsy will need to make several changes in their lives to provide a safe environment for their baby while others may need to make very few changes.  This resource has great information on keeping babies safe.
• Menopause and Epilepsy: Learn more about menopause, and how changes in hormones may affect women with epilepsy.
• Bone Health: Some of the medications that prevent seizures may contribute to bones becoming thin. This risk is higher in women.