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

Abstract

ObjectiveMenstrual 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsA 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).SignificanceWomen 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.

Effects of smokeless tobacco on the uterine wall of adult non pregnant female swiss albino rats

“…Another study conducted by Octaviana et al examined hormonal levels in 100 women with irregular menstrual cycles. They measured estrogen, progesterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels and identified notable distinctions in these hormone levels among women with varying menstrual patterns (10). The present study validated that the consumption of smokeless tobacco in rats led to myometrial degeneration along with fibrosis and edema.…”

Association Between Dysmenorrhea and Risk of Epilepsy in East Asian Populations: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study

“…Dysmenorrhea is more prevalent among women with epilepsy (Serret-Montoya et al, 2014). A case-control study with 66 participants similarly confirmed this result (Octaviana et al, 2022). However, the direction and mechanism of the correlation between dysmenorrhea and epilepsy are unclear.…”

“…The global lifetime prevalence of epilepsy is estimated to be about 7.6 cases per 1000 people (Olusanya et al, 2020). Understanding the epidemiology of epilepsy is critical to developing healthcare policy, implementing prevention strategies, and understanding the health resource needs of these challenging patient populations (S. Wang et al, 2023).Current observational studies suggest a correlation between dysmenorrhea and epilepsy (Ingudomnukul et al, 2007;Octaviana et al, 2022;Pohl et al, 2014). Dysmenorrhea is more prevalent among women with epilepsy (Serret-Montoya et al, 2014).…”