Numerous studies have confirmed the link between seizures
and the time of first menstruation also known as menarche. So, how does
epilepsy affect the menstrual cycle?
There are many studies that suggest that the emergence of
epileptic seizures in the time of the first menstruation. In some studies, it
was determined that women suffering from epilepsy usually have anovulation
periods, polycystic eggs, irregular menstrual periods or even absence of
menstruation.
Does the menstruation cycle affect epilepsy?
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Polycystic ovaries are related to hyperandrogenism which
means increased levels of male hormones. This occurrence is accompanied by
increased hairiness, anovulatory or irregular cycle and obesity. According to
some statistics between 5 and 20% of women have such characteristics. If these
women are not treated and not taking antiepileptic drugs, the clinical picture
of epilepsy may worsen. There is a special type of epilepsy that occurs in the
pre-menstrual period and this epilepsy is called catamenial epilepsy. It is
believed that is related to increased levels of estrogen (well-known female
hormone) in the luteal stage of the menstrual cycle. There are certain studies
that have shown that women with epilepsy experience some changes in the EEG
during menstruation and more frequent episodes of seizures in the times of high
levels of estrogen in the pre-ovulatory period in the follicular stage of the
menstrual cycle. It was noted that the use of progesterone decreases the number
of epileptic seizures and that it is very important to balance the levels of
estrogen and progestoren well in order to reduce these seizures. In the normal
menstrual cycle, when progesterone concentration reaches its highest level,
there is no chance of epileptic seizures. Now let’s see how epilepsy affects
sexuality and sexual life in women.
What is most important is to have a partner that understands
the situation. Sexuality is the most elemental part of human beings with which
we are all born and die and it is expressed in different ways appropriate to
the period of life. People have always used their sexuality for their own
reproduction and in some cases people have struggled to suppress their
sexuality while some of them have exploited their sexuality. Since sexuality is
an integral part of all humans, sexologists say that people must dream and
fantasize about it when they cannot express or apply it. Every human being, be
it healthy or sick or with certain disabilities has need to express their
sexuality. Since we all know that epilepsy affects the psychosomatic nature of
humans, it is true that epilepsy in some way shapes the sexuality of men and
women.
We must highlight the fact that most women with epilepsy
have completely normal sexual needs and desires. If a woman goes for medical
examinations on a regular basis and if they are taking medications for epilepsy
and use adequate contraception, then it is not necessary to deny or repress
their sexuality. The only thing they need to do is to adjust their sexual behavior
to their own capabilities.