Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

Can seizures be caused by birth control?

Fri, 02/22/2008 - 17:02

Now, I know some of you may think this is strange, but here goes:

I'm 21 and have had only 2 seizures in my life. One in April of last year and the other in August.  Both were after being on birth control (tri-cyclen lo, to be exact) for 3 months. I stopped taking my birth control after my seizure in April, but I didn't really think anything of it. I wasn't seeing anyone at the time so I just didn't really want it in my system. I started taking my birth control again in June after I met a new guy. After I had the seizure in August (late August) I started to think maybe it was caused by my birth control. The neurologist that was assigned to me said that it was entirely 100% impossible, but my family physician told me there was always a chance. 

I have been completely off my birth control since that last seizure and have not been taking any medications either. I feel a lot healthier and I haven't had a single problem since then, but the neurologist still will not listen to my input about why I think this happened.

I sat down with one of my girl friends that also has epilepsy and told her what was going on. She told me that the same thing happened to her when she started taking the pill but that none of the neurologists here believed her. She went to a husband and wife team in Quebec (way far away) and they told her that it was entirely possible that it was her birth control that caused it.

Anyways, has this happened to anyone else? 

Comments

Re: Can seizures be caused by birth control?

Submitted by cvargas on Thu, 2009-06-11 - 17:24

hi guys,

well ive been E since I was 13 im 37 now and all my nuerologists have told me that birth control atleast the "pill" interacts with the meds of E the only thing he slightly suggested was the ring so now for me I use the ring and the guy takes care of himself

I hope this works or helps

`Christina Vargas

hi guys,

well ive been E since I was 13 im 37 now and all my nuerologists have told me that birth control atleast the "pill" interacts with the meds of E the only thing he slightly suggested was the ring so now for me I use the ring and the guy takes care of himself

I hope this works or helps

`Christina Vargas

Re: Can seizures be caused by birth control?

Submitted by seth2610 on Tue, 2009-06-23 - 06:47

I took the mini pill for 5 years. Then came off it to have a baby.

 I had my first grand mal seizure at the age of 26 during my pregnancy = hormones.  I had 2 grand mal seizures during my pregnancy, and 1 after my baby was born after I had tried to wean off the medication 'Lactimal'.

 I now get 'partial seizures' before I ovulate and before I come on my period.  I went back on the mini pill to see if it helped to stop the epilepsy. 

 I take 'Lactimal' and 'Lyrica' and still get the partial seizures.  

 Just wanted to say that my seizures are completely hormone related and this has been confirmed by my specialist nurse.  

I took the mini pill for 5 years. Then came off it to have a baby.

 I had my first grand mal seizure at the age of 26 during my pregnancy = hormones.  I had 2 grand mal seizures during my pregnancy, and 1 after my baby was born after I had tried to wean off the medication 'Lactimal'.

 I now get 'partial seizures' before I ovulate and before I come on my period.  I went back on the mini pill to see if it helped to stop the epilepsy. 

 I take 'Lactimal' and 'Lyrica' and still get the partial seizures.  

 Just wanted to say that my seizures are completely hormone related and this has been confirmed by my specialist nurse.  

Re: Can seizures be caused by birth control?

Submitted by esierra on Tue, 2012-06-05 - 15:49
OMG, this is big. I have pcos and was prescribed an estrogen based bithcontrol pill.That night I was up for a while with myclonic jerks. I never have seizures at night. I am mad at myself for not being properly educating before taking the pill. Mostly I'm mad at the Dr. Now I lknow that progestin based BC are best for people with E. How he didn't know that is baffling.I'm glad that atleast someone in the medical field acknowledges the connection.

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.