Ms JC

I am 62 years old, and possibly still in a partial enopause. I suffer from petitmal epilepsy and have found that the occurence of attacks or seizures increases during a certain time of the month, at which time I experience abnormal water retention in my body coupled with extreme bloatedness. Is it possible that there can still be these kind of cycles wen one is in one's menopause?

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Are you on hormone replacement therapy? Hormones do play a role in seizures. Typically estrogen is considered pro-convulsant and fluctuations that occur during menses can exacerbate seizures. In patients who are post-menopausal, menstrual-related seizures may improve. However, this may not always be the case.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.