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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.

I feel that my Epilepsy is extremely connected to my hormones since I've had seizures during puberty, after childbirth 3Times) and menopause

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Rising Sun, MD

Should my Neurologist and my Gynecologoist be working together on my care?

June 11
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member , I’m not familiar with the Catamenial Epilepsy, however, I’m almost 48 & 2 years ago I officially began going through menopause itself, finished the perimenopause & moved onto the menopause & it was awful. I was having some awful hot flashes & the night sweats were so bad that I wasn’t getting much sleep at night & began to worry about having a seizure because if I get to tired I might possibly have one. My Family doctor at the time had me on Progesterone & the Estradiol Pill & that wasn’t helping & so she had me go to a gynecologist & the gynecologist kept me on the Progesterone but changed me to the Estradiol Patch & the patch has worked wonders & it’s like I’m not even going through menopause anymore. I strongly recommend it to anyone. But of course everyone can react differently to each medication. So it’s always good to discuss things first with your doctors. The Estradiol patch is changed once a week. Again, I’m not familiar with the catamenial epilepsy & so I don’t know that any of this would help you. Just thought I’d share my info. Good luck! Take care! Your friend in Texas, Becky

June 11
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

You have what they call Catamenial Epilepsy

June 11
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member
I’m pretty sure my neurologist and cardiologist share information with each other

June 11
MyEpilepsyTeam

What you're describing — seizures clustering around major hormonal shifts like puberty, childbirth, and menopause — is a well-recognized pattern called catamenial epilepsy. Your instinct to connect the dots is absolutely spot on!

Yes, having both your neurologist and gynecologist collaborating on your care is not just a good Show Full Answer

What you're describing — seizures clustering around major hormonal shifts like puberty, childbirth, and menopause — is a well-recognized pattern called catamenial epilepsy. Your instinct to connect the dots is absolutely spot on!

Yes, having both your neurologist and gynecologist collaborating on your care is not just a good idea — it's really important for someone with your history. Here's why a team approach matters:

- Hormonal changes (especially shifts in estrogen and progesterone) can directly influence seizure frequency
- Epilepsy medications can interact with hormonal treatments, including birth control or menopause-related therapies
- Medication adjustments may be needed during hormonal transitions to keep seizures under control
- Progesterone-based therapies are sometimes explored as part of catamenial epilepsy management, requiring both specialists to be aligned Bringing both doctors into the same conversation ensures nothing falls through the cracks. It's worth directly asking your neurologist to coordinate with your gynecologist, and don't be shy about raising your hormonal pattern observations — that history is genuinely valuable clinical information for both of them.

June 11

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