Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyEpilepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Amarillo, TX

If so, which part of the month? Have you had any form of treatment to control hormones? Birth control?

March 17, 2015
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Many members shared that hormonal fluctuations during their menstrual cycle significantly lower their seizure threshold, with seizures most... Read more

Many members shared that hormonal fluctuations during their menstrual cycle significantly lower their seizure threshold, with seizures most commonly occurring in the days before, during, or after their period, particularly when progesterone levels drop and estrogen rises. Several members found relief through hormone-based birth control such as the Depo-Provera shot, hormonal IUDs, or daily pills, though experiences varied widely, with some reporting side effects or no improvement at all, and others noting neurologists who dismissed the hormonal connection despite clear patterns in their seizure activity. A recurring theme was the importance of open communication between gynecologists and neurologists to find individualized solutions, as well as the broader recognition of catamenial epilepsy, a term many members had never heard from their doctors despite experiencing textbook symptoms for years.

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Yes!!! estrogine is a proconvulsant and Projestragine is an anti convulsant. And your estrogine levels go up, and progesterone levels go down. So your window for likelihood for a seizure becomes much greater! Many women (myself included) take low dose hormone treatment to level out their hormones a bit. Ya know, to avoid having seizures. But menstral cycles can definitely effect seizures. Take it from me. Lol.

That being said, that's not the case for everyone. After all, everyone is different. Every brain is different. And everyone's body chemistry is different.

March 25, 2015
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I always have my seizure before and after my Menstrual cycle. I tale depo shot( birth control) it slows or takes away the hormones.

June 16, 2019
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

My seizures increase around the time of my period every time. Like clock work.

March 26, 2015
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

That's interesting. Have you heard of or researched catamenial epilepsy? From what I've seen online, Dr. Alan Jacobs has great information. He is a neuroendocrinologist in New York. I can't afford to travel there or make an appointment with him on the phone because he does not take insurance over the phone. Otherwise, I would do it in a heartbeat! He has articles saying that progesterone calms brain activity, while estrogen excites it. Here is one of his blog posts describing catamenial epilepsy:

http://blog.alanjacobsmd.com/alan-jacobs-mds-bl...

March 21, 2015
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I use depo shot it is a birth control shot every 2or 3 months. It is for the hormones.it works.

June 30, 2019

Related Questions

View All
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Houston, TX