They face many unique challenges, from changes during the monthly cycle which may trigger seizures to concerns regarding pregnancy. Social factors leave them vulnerable to discrimination and abuse. Yet their plight and the manner in which they are affected has been largely ignored. As an important part of the Epilepsy Foundation's role in advocating for all people with epilepsy, we are committed to addressing the unique health concerns of women with epilepsy. As with menstruation and pregnancy, menopause is marked by changes in hormonal levels and can also affect changes in seizure frequency.
Much more research needs to be done on menopause and on hormone-sensitive seizures in general.
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when her ovaries stop working, her menstrual periods stop and the level of sex hormones in her body decreases. We know that because hormones have an effect on brain function, seizure patterns may change in some women as they go through menopause, just as they may at other times of hormonal change. I'm 50 years old and my periods are less frequent. I'm having hot flashes, too. Probably not, although some women feel flushed as part of a seizure.