Hi Girls, I have had epilepsy since I was about 14 and for years didn’t link it to my hormones.  I usually get simple or complex partials and the only 2 generalised seizures I have ever had were when I was ovulating.   For the past 3 years I am getting a different type of attack each month in the days after my period.  My knees feel weak, I sometimes have tension all down one side and I get severe mood swings, e.g. crying for an hour then hyper for an hour.  The effects can last for up to 3 or 4 days, It’s horrible.   Local doctors just don’t understand.  I am not depressed because I have far too much to live for.  I am a gifted teacher and a talented musician helping other people.  The first time it happened, I was weak at the knees, went to my hospitals A&E ward over a holiday weekend.  The doctor didn’t understand my symptoms and sent me to a psychiatric ward.  This did give me a panic attack but luckily the doctor at the next hospital understood what epilepsy was, gave me the correct tablets and sent me home. I was so so glad to read other women’s stories on this website and to know that I am not going crazy.  .  Have any of you found any add on medications that are helpful with catamenial seizures.   Thanks everyone.  It’s hard sometimes but we can do it.       

Hey there, I am new to the forum but not new to epilepsy. I had my 1st
seizure at age 15 (passed out for that one.) I am now 32 & All
seizures after the initial one I have not passed out. However it wasn't
long afterward that I realized my seizures came with my periods. After
speaking with my neurologist at the time, he placed me on meds but that
was it.

My cycle is irregular so it was a wait game.... will I or won't I this
month. I began to keep track of when the seizures came &  at first
they were more after my cycle. The next time I saw my neurologist I told
him what I had discovered & he finally gave me a name to these
things. I had Catamenial Epilepsy, however he had no experience with
these types of seizures.

To this day I usually have 3 or 4 a year, the seizures I discovered come
about 9 days prior to the beginning & anywhere in between up to 9
days after my cycle ends. My neurologist has okayed me to take extra meds 
during this time. Through the yrs though I have developed miagraines as
well. So far I'm still at only 3 or 4 seizures a year. I hope to stay
that way. 

~ Shanna 

 I suffered from frequent myoclonic breakthroughs during the 2 weeks prios to onset and for a few days after. Mind you I am 41, perimenopausal, and suffering from severe PMDD. I finally decided to have a hysterectomy...mainly due to the PMDD versus the seizures. I have one daughter and wasn't planning on having more. It was the best thing I ever did. I don't recommend it for everyone without serious consideration. I no longer have myoclonic breakthroughs because my hormones are at a consistent level all the time and the PMDD went with it. However, I more sensitive to seizure triggers....lack of sleep,  etc and have suffered from 4 grand mals in the past 2 months (before this I've only had 4 grand mals from age 5 until now ) probably due to lack of sleep related to a shoulder injury. That has been incredibly scarey but I seem to be responding well to the addition of lamictal. It's a bit early to tell and I'm doing everything I can to prevent them. Most people would think I'm crazy to say this but I would honestly still have the hysterectomy...my quality of life has greatly increased overall and I'm confident that my current condition will brought under control.

prior to my cycle i exp 1-3 complex partials, after my cycle, i may exp a 3 day moment ..usually my episodes occur same time of day and i get a warning... im guessing its all ormonal and possibly due to blood loss,,fortunately, i manage to work around my spells but at times find myself unable to..i dont drive due to my cycle and its effect on me..i also manage scool around it as well.  its not fun but adaptable. im looking at surgery to aid me in some control ...good luck in your readings and well being babzy

Ibuprofen is not going to do a thing to help you control hormonal seizures. You need a good Neurologist and an OB/GYN to work together to help you out. Document your cycles and your seizures. Do some research onilne for Catamenials, take it with you and be sure you read up on it so you can talk about it with your doctors. The birth control pills can help and there are other things that can help too. 

Does anyone know any particular drugs or treatment to combat Catamenials?

I have temporal lobe epilepsy due to a benign brain tumor that has been removed a year ago and now my siezures seem to fit the description of catamenial epilepsy - monthly painful partial seizures where I feel like i'm in another world, see things and feel like everyone speaks a different language.

I am used to having the seizures (it's been 10 years, I'm 28) but I am on keppra and lamictal and that doesn't work, although my grand mal seizures have stopped. I am also trying out herbs and accupuncture. I'm also growing out my hair :)

Oi! This stuff keeps you busy!!!

Hi theresa i had that same problem for a while why do u think we get them more often than when were not and by the way Im a new member and Im taking keppra 500mg twice a day and lamictal 200mg twice a day also thank you.

Hello, Oh I have always noticed increased seizure activity when it my time of the month. As a matter of fact that is when my first seizure happened.  Back when I was 13.

And Yes, the mood swings are horrible, as well as the headache I get. Unfortunately, mine can come the day before, during or on the last day. Lucky me! 

Recently though, I have noticed that if I have sex, it gets worse. What's up with that?

 It is making me crazy, and I am wondering if anybody has any answers. I try to avoid stress, and such, I guess I will just have to not fool around during that time. Because I am getting tired of being stuck on the couch, for a day or two, just to make certain I dont have a full blown seizure.

Anybody else have this problem?