Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: BreezyBlue on October 26, 2015, 08:35:04 PM

Title: Will HRT reignite adolescent epilepsy?
Post by: BreezyBlue on October 26, 2015, 08:35:04 PM

I am scared to use HRT because of the epilepsy risk.

I don't have epilepsy now but I used to have it in my childhood and grew out of it in my late teens or early twenties. Because I haven't had fits for around 20 years I don't take any medication for it.

I went through premature menopause about 5 years ago now and have never taken HRT because of the worry about epilepsy. It has been recommended that I should use it to get protection for my bones etc for a few years as I am only 43.

I wondered if it just causes fits for those who currently have epilepsy or whether it can re-ignite epilepsy in those who have grown out of it?

I would be really interested to hear from others who have previously had epilepsy and used HRT.

Title: Re: Will HRT reignite adolescent epilepsy?
Post by: Taz2 on October 26, 2015, 08:41:07 PM

I'm sorry I've got no actual experience of epilepsy and HRT but is there anything helpful here https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/women/menopause?

Taz x

Title: Re: Will HRT reignite adolescent epilepsy?
Post by: Limpy on October 26, 2015, 08:51:07 PM

I don't know about epilepsy and HRT.
But, is epilepsy affected by pregnancy?

I have MS which benefits from increased oestrogen (pregnant ladies don't get epilepsy).
Once I stopped the BCP and hit meno bigstyle my MS went ballistic.
HRT patches improved things massively.

I really don't know whether epilepsy is the same as MS regarding the effects of oestrogen.
I'm just guessing, but the are both Neurological conditions, may behave similarly..............

Title: Re: Will HRT reignite adolescent epilepsy?
Post by: BreezyBlue on October 28, 2015, 06:12:54 PM

Thanks for the replies ladies and thank you Taz2 for that link which is very helpful. I don't think epilepsy is affected by pregnancy Limpy as I didn't have any fits during my pregnancy. It's well over 20 years now since I had one but I really don't want any more! Xx

Title: Re: Will HRT reignite adolescent epilepsy?
Post by: Limpy on October 28, 2015, 06:44:35 PM

Quote from: BreezyBlue on October 28, 2015, 06:12:54 PM

I don't think epilepsy is affected by pregnancy Limpy as I didn't have any fits during my pregnancy.

BreezyBlue - Sorry I wasn't very clear.
The thing with oestrogen and MS is that it reduces/stops MS relapses - it doesn't trigger them.

Title: Re: Will HRT reignite adolescent epilepsy?
Post by: CLKD on October 28, 2015, 09:20:20 PM

Some children grow out of seizures.  Maybe your GP should refer you to a Neurologist?  Then let us know  ;)