What are Hormonal Seizures?

Hormones can alter the excitability of neurons in the brain. An imbalance of these chemicals can increase the incidence of hormone-induced seizures in someone who is prone to them (References 1, 2 and 3).

Types

• Hormonal seizures may result from a thyroid imbalance (Reference 2) or from an imbalance in the ratio of estrogen to progesterone during a woman's monthly cycle, also called catamenial epilepsy. (References 1, 2 and 3)

Considerations

• Women with epilepsy should record seizures, menstrual cycles, and basal body temperatures to establish when ovulation occurs. The most vulnerable times for seizures are during ovulation and five days before the beginning of menstrual bleeding. Pinpointing the factors which trigger a seizure is important in determining treatment approach (Reference 1).

Significance

• Seizures may occur in those with thyroid problems without a diagnosis of epilepsy (Reference 2). Catamenial epilepsy occurs in half of epileptic women of childbearing age (Reference 3).

Specialists

• Although a family physician is able to diagnose and treat conditions relating to hormone seizures, a neuroendocrine specialist, a neurologist who specializes in hormone disorders, may be better prepared (Reference 1).

Treatment

• Depending on the underlying cause of seizures, medicine to correct a thyroid imbalance, anti-seizure medication or natural progesterone therapy during the second half of each menstrual cycle may be appropriate (References 1, 2 and 3).