Epilepsy Medications & Women's Menstrual Cycles

[momof3boys]

I was just wondering if going cold turkey off medications, and then going back on another medication, along with the stress of a video EEG on a woman's body can cause a delay or missed menstrual cycle?

I can see by googling that alot of things like stress, illness, etc can cause delay or missed menstrual cycles.

My last Normal Menstrual Cycle was January 19th. February I was 8 days late, but at the end of January I had phnemonia. So Im chalking it up to that being the reason I was late for my period in February.

This month, March.... I had the video EEG done on March 7th. I was taken off both medications for 4 days, then put back on the Keppra. I was due for another menstrual cycle March 22nd, but still nothing has came.

Im just wondering if having the video EEG and the stress it can have, could it cause me to miss or delay a period?

[Nakamova]

What medications did you stop cold turkey?

[momof3boys]

My dr stopped me cold turkey on Keppra XR and Carbotral ER. I was totally off my medications for about 3 1/2 days. March 7th was the first day without any medications, and I went with none til I was put back on the Keppra XR the evening of March 10th.

[Nakamova]

I think you're right -- both the stress of the video EEG and the stress of the rapid stopping and changeover of meds are affecting you. When I stopped taking Zonegran and went on Lamictal it messed with my periods for the first few months -- first they were delayed, and then I had one that lasted two weeks! Lamictal is particularly known for affecting hormones, but all of the anti-epileptic drugs affect estrogen to some extent. Give it a few more days -- your system maybe a bit confused and trying to recalibrate.

[momof3boys]

Thats what I pretty much thought it was. I didnt know if the seizure that took place last night was maybe a cause of my hormones being out of wack since my menstrual cycle was suppose to start yesterday. Ive never had problems with seizures around the time I had my menstrual cycle before, but since Ive been off both medications and then put back on one, Ive been experiencing those numbing tingling feelings, which then I find out are the Jacksonian Seizures.

Heck, Just more stuff for me to ask my Dr about! LOL

[fungirl28]

I have been on Lamictal for about 4 yrs then stopped cause I couldn't afford it, was put back on it for about 2 yrs then moved to england for 2 yrs with out the lamictal. came home and was put on tagratol since i didn't have insurance. got insurance as was put back on lamictal been on lamictal and tegratol for about 2 yrs. I was having really bad stress seizures like 5 in 4 weeks and since that happened I haven't had a period and 2 weeks ago was taken off of the tagratol but while I was still on both my last period was almost 3 months ago. I'm not really to stressed out. Does anyone know what could be causing this to happen. i am a little concerned about this.

[LJ-Bain]

Hey there! I know April 1st was when you would be expecting things to happen but it sounds like meds and stress might be the culprit for all of your woes! Just thinking about you and hoping your body balances out soon.

[momof3boys]

Well this thread was started over a year ago, and within a month or two of adjusting to the new medication changes, my cycles became regular again. Ive been on Keppra XR now for over a year alone without having to add another medication to it, and since then Ive had regular 28 day cycles. So, Im still waiting.... she is suppose to be due today and still nothing. I normally get cramps, and Im very moody for a few days before she comes, and I havnt had those yet. I was seriously hoping she would come today. But looks like she is taking her sweet time! I keep track of my cycles just so I can get a good idea of when to expect the next one... so far for this year its been pretty consistant...

Jan 10
Feb 6
march 5
(AF Being Due Today.... April 1)

[fungirl28]

I have never really had irregular monthlies. But for some reason since January I haven't had one at all. I know when I am suppost to have one. I get the cramps and not real moody. But I can't handle the smell of things, I am wanting to eat other things that I normally don't like. I'm hopping to find things out on the 16th. Not sure what to think at this moment. Me and my fiance are really thinking that I might be but still not sure.

How early can a Dr tell that one is pregnant. I have had the blood test done for pregnancy but my system isn't what you say is normal when it comes to things like that. My Dr even tells me that my system isn't normal. LOL!!! I had an internal ultrasound done but they couldn't see anything besides the fact that I am over due for my monthly. We were thinking that maybe it could have been hhiding behind that swelled area. I have dr appt in may with my dr. So we will see. Thank you for helping me.