I’ve had epilepsy since puberty 1972 and it has been attributed to my high estrogen levels. Dr Herzog confirmed this in 1982. I was hoping it would abate after menopause but instead my brain began making estrogen. It was kind of a second puberty-age 56-my breasts increased in size! My seizures have never been controlled completely but my meds stave off the biggies. I now have semi-daily partials which are a pain. But I know how to deal with them and that they will pass and I’ll be fine.
One funny thing happened right after marriage- I got pregnant while on the pill.because dilantin and the pill counteract each other. My child was unaffected by the dilantin. My next preg was a severely deformed stillborn and 2 others were miscarriages. I went off dilantin and increased phenobarb to a extremely high dose. I had learned that this would only cause minor defects and not affect the fetuses brain. My son was born with a severe cleft lip/palate but no brain defects and I was thrilled!
The new meds now will help eliminate birth defect worries in any epileptic woman.and that is great. Epilepsy research is never-ending and I will always try any new meds. Epilepsy is a condition which affects the brain and should be looked at just like a heart condition. Meds for any condition will have their own side effects but will help eliminate the problem-which is great. The brain is far too complex to understand but research and new findings is just as complex-some are truly amazing. This is a good inspiration for anyone with a neurological problem to keep trying to cope as well.