Many Women Know Little About Their Epilepsy

Many Women Know Little About Their Epilepsy

Many Women Know Little About Their Epilepsy

And when it comes to preventing pregnancy, many women were unaware of the effects that seizure medicines can have on oral contraceptives -- the pill. Some seizure medications increase the breakdown of contraceptive hormones in the body, making them less effective in preventing pregnancy, according to the Epilepsy Foundation.

Seizure medications can also cause problems as women age. Some of these drugs may cause bone loss and increase the risk for osteoporosis. But almost half of the women did not know this was a concern. To receive adequate calcium, the Epilepsy Foundation recommends women take 1,200 mg/day if they are menstruating and 1,500 mg/day if they are postmenopausal.

If you are a woman with epilepsy, arm yourself with the right knowledge to help yourself live a healthier life. Misinformation and misconceptions can be dangerous. Talk to your doctor about how you can deal with being a woman with epilepsy -- from pregnancy to preventing osteoporosis.