Does menopause affect the epilepsy?

Abstract

Hormonal fluctuations in the menstrual cycle have been shown to have an impact on the epilepsy in women with catamenial epilepsy. The epilepsy frequency is higher in the elderly, and this part of the population is steadily increasing. It is therefore of interest whether the hormonal changes in the menopausal transition affects the epilepsy. The perimenopause is associated with hormonal fluctuations and may worsen the epilepsy in women with catamenial epilepsy. It has been suggested that seizures may improve after menopause, particularly in the women with catamenial epilepsy. There is still however, limited data on the effects of menopause on the epilepsy. Prospective studies imply a long time span, and research in this field is scarce. More research on the relationship between hormonal fluctuations and seizures may enable us to predict the effect on the epilepsy. Special awareness should be given to a woman with epilepsy in the menopausal transition.