Characteristics of menstrual disorders and reproductive hormones in women with epilepsy at an Indonesian national referral hospital

Fitri Octaviana, Kanadi Sumapraja, Winnugroho Wiratman, Luh Ari Indrawati, Astri Budikayanti

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: Menstrual disorders are more common in women with epilepsy than in those without epilepsy. This study aimed to examine the characteristics of reproductive function in women with epilepsy at an Indonesian national referral hospital. Methods: A case-control study was conducted from March 2020 to March 2021. Women with and without epilepsy aged ≥18 years were enrolled. All women were premenopausal before epilepsy diagnosis. Data on demographic characteristics, menstrual profiles, epileptic syndrome, seizure type, seizure frequency, etiology, localization, and anticonvulsant medication were collected. Hormone levels (follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, and estradiol) were measured. Results: A total of 72 women with and 50 without epilepsy (controls) were included. Dysmenorrhea was more common in women with epilepsy than in those without (59.7 vs. 20%, p < 0.001; odds ratio: 5.931 [95% confidence interval: 2.566–13.709]). Marriage rates were higher in women without epilepsy (82 vs. 45.8%, p < 0.001). No difference was found in hormone levels between the groups. The frequency of seizures was associated with prolactin and estradiol levels (p < 0.001). Polytherapy with clobazam was associated with menstrual cycle regularity. In women with epilepsy with menstrual disorders, valproic acid was associated with higher estradiol levels (p = 0.001) and lamotrigine with lower follicle stimulating hormone levels (p = 0.008). Significance: Women with epilepsy experienced more dysmenorrhea. A higher frequency of seizures associated with lower prolactin and estradiol levels. Polytherapy with clobazam was associated with irregular menstrual cycles, while valproic acid and lamotrigine was associated with estradiol and follicle stimulating hormone levels.

Original languageEnglish
Article number964761
JournalFrontiers in Neurology
Volume13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Sept 2022

Keywords

  • dysmenorrhea
  • epilepsy
  • menstrual disorders
  • reproductive hormones
  • women

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Characteristics of menstrual disorders and reproductive hormones in women with epilepsy at an Indonesian national referral hospital'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this