Menstruation as a Seizure Trigger

The hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle are the most likely cause of changes in seizure frequency. The brain contains many nerve cells that are directly affected by estrogen and progesterone, the main sex hormones in women. Studies in animals have shown that high doses of estrogen can cause or worsen seizures. Yet progesterone can protect against seizures. It’s thought that seizures may occur in women with epilepsy because they don’t have enough progesterone at certain times of their cycle or there’s an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone. Other hormones are being looked at as possible triggers of seizures during menses and at times of other hormonal changes in women.