Epilepsy isn’t just about seizures—it’s a condition that interacts with hormones, pregnancy, and overall reproductive health in ways unique to women. Whether you're planning a family or just managing daily life, understanding these connections is key to better care. Hormones & Seizures Estrogen can make seizures worse, while progesterone may have a protective effect. That’s the reason some women experience more seizures around their periods—a condition called catamenial epilepsy . Epilepsy & Pregnancy Many women with epilepsy can safely have children, but extra care is needed. Some anti-seizure medications can affect fertility or increase the risk of birth defects, making pre-pregnancy planning crucial. Your doctor may change medications, adjust doses and add folic acid to reduce risks. Contraception & Epilepsy Not all birth control options work well with seizure medications. Some drugs can make birth control pills less effective, increasing the risk of unplanned preg...