The menopause

The menopause affects every woman in different ways. This means that it’s not possible to predict exactly how the menopause will affect each woman with epilepsy.

There is a real need for more research into the possible effects of the menopause on women with epilepsy to be carried out.

About the menopause

Every woman goes through the menopause. It’s sometimes called ‘the change of life’.

Around the time of the menopause, your periods become less frequent and eventually stop altogether. Your body stops releasing eggs, which means that you are no longer able to get pregnant naturally. Among other symptoms, you may experience hot flushes and night sweats. You may also have difficulty sleeping. This can lead to poor concentration and general irritability.

When the menopause happens

In the UK, most women reach the menopause around the age of 51. However it can happen earlier or later than this. There is a possibility that you may go through the menopause about three years earlier than other women. There is more risk of this if you have frequent seizures or have had epilepsy for a long time,

The menopause and seizures

Many women with epilepsy notice a change in their seizure pattern during or after the menopause. Some women have more seizures and some women may have fewer seizures.

If you have catamenial epilepsy (when your seizures follow a pattern that is connected to your periods), some research suggests that you might have more seizures than usual in the time leading up to the menopause. After the menopause, you might find that your seizures happen less often.