For a woman there are a million issues that come to mind when you consider how epilepsy may affect your life. You may wonder whether you should take seizure medicine with birth control pills, or whether you can have a healthy baby. You may notice that your seizures are affected by your hormones at different points in your menstrual cycle. In the United States, more than one million women and girls have epilepsy. And, many of them struggle with the following important considerations.
When you’re taking birth control pills, you need to feel confident that their effectiveness won’t be affected by other medications, including AEDs. Generally, it depends on your pill and epilepsy treatment—but the right combination can work. Some AEDs may react to other medications you take, such as birth control pills. A test was conducted to study the reaction of Keppra® (levetiracetam) and one type of birth control pilll. Keppra® was not shown to react with the pill in the study. It is expected that the results with extended-release Keppra XR™ would essentially be the same. Learn more about Keppra XR™.
Having epilepsy does not mean you shouldn't have a baby. In fact, 90 percent of babies born to women with epilepsy are normal and healthy. Planning for a healthy pregnancy is important! Plus, the odds of having a healthy baby may be higher if you plan in advance. Be sure to consult with your doctor, and get prenatal care from the start.
Like many women, you probably worry about medications causing birth defects in your unborn child. In truth, most do not. The risk of birth defects for the child of a mother with epilepsy is only about 6 percent. It’s important to note, though, that the most serious birth defects can occur before you even know you're pregnant. There are also risks from not taking your medicine. Remember, you should not stop your medicine unless you are told by your doctor or neurologist.
If you have epilepsy and are trying to get pregnant, make sure to tell both your neurologist and obstetrician/gynecologist. Both doctors will need to know what medications you’re taking. Here are some tips for a healthy pregnancy:
- Get your seizures under control.
- Find the right medicine at the right dose.
- Take a vitamin supplement that has folic acid. (You should continue this throughout your pregnancy.)
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Take your epilepsy medicine as prescribed.
- Try to reduce any factors that provoke seizures.
- Report all seizures to your doctors promptly.
- Get enough rest and sleep.
- Avoid smoking.
- Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine.
- Avoid chemicals like paint, pesticides, and oven cleaners.
- Avoid any prescription or nonprescription medication unless approved by your doctors.
- If you want to breast-feed, talk to your doctor about what is right for you.
UCB, Inc. has established the UCB AED Pregnancy Registry (formerly, the Keppra Pregnancy Registry) to advance scientific knowledge about safety and outcomes associated with pregnant women being treated with any epilepsy medications from UCB, Inc., including Keppra® and Keppra XR™. To ensure broad program access and reach, either your doctor or you can initiate enrollment.
For more information about the UCB AED Pregnancy Registry, talk to your doctor or call 1-888-537-7734 (1-888-KEP-PREG).
If you have more seizures before or around the time of your period, you're not alone. About half of women with epilepsy have seizures during this time. It's called catamenial (KAT-uh-MEEN-ee-ul) epilepsy and it can be hard to control. Check with your neurologist to see how altering your medication can help. You can also help yourself by getting enough sleep and avoiding alcohol and stress.
Most women with epilepsy experience menopause at about the same age as other women—50 years old. However, this may occur 10 years earlier for a minority of women with epilepsy. In fact, your seizure history may be a factor in when you experience menopause. Women who experienced seizures near the time of their period or have had many seizures are more likely to go through menopause earlier.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause can relieve women of symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and trouble sleeping. It can also prevent osteoporosis. This can be very important to women with epilepsy since seizures can lead to falling and breaking weakened bones.
Unfortunately, certain types of HRT may increase the risk of stroke and breast or uterine cancer. Plus, certain types of HRT medicines may cause more seizures than others. Some epilepsy medications might affect your bone health as well. Talk with your doctor and ask questions to find the best treatment plan for you.
It’s a good idea to have medical information available in case you have a seizure when you’re not accompanied by a friend or family member who knows you have epilepsy. With our Identification and Emergency Wallet Card (PDF 70 KB), you can fill in all of the appropriate information, and carry it with you everywhere.
See how others with epilepsy are making the most of treatment and living with epilepsy on their terms. Visit EpilepsyAdvocate.com for inspiring stories, practical advice, and to connect with other people with epilepsy through L.I.V.E. speaking events, a magazine, and video diaries.
Is someone in your life dealing with epilepsy? Get some tips for being supportive and helpful. Learn how to help.
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