Hormonal birth control does not cause seizure conditions. However, some research suggests it may increase seizure risk in people with epilepsy or other seizure disorders.

This can happen due to hormonal changes or interactions with antiseizure medications.

Not all birth control methods carry the same risk, so discussing your options with a healthcare professional can help you find the safest and most effective contraceptive method for your needs.

Although the research is mixed and inconclusive, hormonal birth control may affect how often people with seizure disorders experience symptoms.

Hormones like estrogen and progesterone can affect brain activity and seizure thresholds, which determine how likely a seizure is to occur.

Estrogen can be proconvulsant, meaning it may increase seizure activity. High estrogen levels, like during ovulation, may make seizures more likely in some people.

Progesterone, on the other hand, may have anticonvulsant properties, meaning it can help reduce seizure risk.

The effects of hormonal birth control on seizure activity depend on the specific hormone levels and formulations.

A 2016 survey-based study recorded 2,712 contraceptive experiences reported by 1,144 people with epilepsy. Most participants said that they experienced no changes to seizure frequency while using birth control.

However, 18.7% of hormonal birth control users reported an increase in seizures, and 9.5% of nonhormonal users reported a decrease.

It’s worth noting that 17.5% of depo medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Povera) users reported a decrease, but 19% reported an increase. Depo-Provera is a progestin-only shot given in the arm or upper buttocks.

This study is flawed in some ways — it’s small and based on self-reporting, which leaves room for error — but it’s one of the largest studies on the topic. More research is needed on seizure risk and contraception.

People with epilepsy or a seizure disorder can safely use many birth control methods, but some may be better options than others.

Progestin-only

If you’re interested in hormonal birth control, your healthcare professional may recommend a progestin-only method. This includes:

These options may be safer for people at risk of seizures because they avoid the potential proconvulsant effects of estrogen.

Nonhormonal

You might also consider nonhormonal birth control. These methods do not affect hormone levels, making them a reliable option for avoiding hormonal triggers.

This includes:

Birth control and emergency contraception containing estrogen and progestin — the combination pill, certain “morning after” pills, skin patch, and vaginal ring — may decrease the effectiveness of lamotrigine (Lamictal).

However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that there’s no conclusive evidence that combined hormonal contraception increases epileptic seizures.

Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and other enzyme-inducing antiseizure drugs can also decrease the effectiveness of birth control and emergency contraception containing estrogen and progestin.

This includes:

  • carbamazepine (Tegretol)
  • oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
  • phenobarbitone (PhenobarB)
  • phenytoin (Dilantin)
  • perampanel (Fycompa)
  • primidone (Mysoline)
  • rifampin
  • rufinamide (Inovelon)
  • sodium valproate (Epilim, Valpro)
  • topiramate (Topamax)

These drugs increase the rate at which the liver metabolizes hormones, reducing hormone levels in the bloodstream.

If you’re taking one of these medications, your healthcare professional may recommend a higher dose hormonal contraceptive or a nonhormonal option, like a copper IUD, to ensure reliable pregnancy prevention.

Hormonal birth control does not directly cause seizures but can influence seizure activity in people with epilepsy or other seizure disorders. Progestin-only and nonhormonal methods are often safer options.

If you take antiseizure medications, it’s important to discuss potential interactions with a healthcare professional. They can help you find a birth control method that works for your body and lifestyle while minimizing the risk of seizures or unplanned pregnancy.

Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s passionate about empowering readers to take care of their mental and physical health through science-based, empathetically delivered information.