December 2nd is Women’s Brain Health Day – Potential Issues for Women Living with Epilepsy
As today, December 2nd, is Women’s Brain Health Day, we think that it is an important time to discuss the potential issues women may have due to 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.
The BC Epilepsy Society provides information on the above through our Women in Mind program. Please find 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.
Happy Women’s Brain Health Day everyone! Find out more about Women’s Brain Health Day here.