Effects of Progesterone on Epilepsy Seizures

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that results in seizures. Seizures can be embarrassing, disruptive and frightening. Women who are epileptic have the problem compounded by high estrogen levels during different parts of their menstrual cycle, which can trigger even more seizures. Fortunately, there are a variety of medications to combat seizures. And according to the Epilepsy Foundation and Dr. Martha J. Morrell, the use of progesterone, in particular, has shown success in reducing the amount of seizures women of reproductive age have.

What is Epilepsy?

• Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder that causes seizures. Seizures can occur due to low blood sugar, alcohol withdrawal or even as a side effect of some medications. But when they happen because of a brain injury, a family trait or for no known reason, epilepsy is the official diagnosis.

What is Progesterone?

• Progesterone is a naturally secreted hormone that ovulating women produce during the second two weeks of their menstrual cycle. It is stored in fat tissue, found in the adrenal glands, and during pregnancy also is synthesized by the placenta. Its purpose is to keep estrogen in check, build and maintain bone structure, slow the digestive process, promote appetite and fat storage, and mature breast tissue and prepare the breasts for milk production.

  Progesterone also is used for a variety of medical purposes. It is found in birth control pills, and also may be used to induce periods, regulate irregular menstrual cycles, and provide hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women. And because progesterone keeps estrogen levels in check and can act as a sedative, it is often an ideal candidate for use in decreasing epileptic seizures.

Decreasing Seizures with Progesterone

• Epileptic women often have more seizures during the late follicular and ovulation phases of their menstrual periods, when estrogen levels are elevated. Women who are prone to epileptic seizures also should know that seizure patterns may change during puberty and again at menopause, due to the fluctuation of estrogen and progesterone levels.

  Progesterone often is given to epileptic women in order to lower the level of estrogen and sedate brain activity. The dose is usually high in order to keep the estrogen level low, and unfortunately there are some side effects that go along with such a high dose.

Side Effects

• Too much progesterone can cause sleepiness, depression, a reduced libido, and an increase in insulin levels, with a decrease in insulin sensitivity. Also, too much progesterone can promote weight gain, since one of the hormone's natural functions is to slow the digestive process and promote the storage of fat in the body.

Considerations

• If you suffer from epilepsy, consider establishing a record of your menstrual cycles and seizures. If you can, track your basal body temperature as well, so that you can better establish the day of ovulation. If you are like many epileptic women, you will find that you are prone to an increase in seizures during ovulation, and again in the late follicular phase of your menstrual cycle.
  If your records indicate that you are, in fact, having more seizures during these phases of your menstrual cycle, speak to your physician about the possibility of undergoing progesterone hormone therapy.