Menstrual cycles can trigger seizures in some women with epilepsy, expert explains reasons

For women with epilepsy, the monthly menstrual cycle isn’t just a routine occurrence; it can bring along an unwelcome companion: seizures.

This intriguing association between hormonal fluctuations and seizure susceptibility has puzzled scientists for years. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this relationship and explore why menstrual cycles can trigger seizures in some women with epilepsy.

According to Dr Komal Bhadu, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecologist, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, which are sudden, uncontrolled bursts of electrical activity in the brain. While the causes of epilepsy vary, researchers have long suspected that hormonal factors play a role in influencing seizure activity.

This suspicion is particularly pronounced in women with epilepsy, as they often report changes in seizure frequency or intensity about their menstrual cycles

The menstrual cycle, governed by the rise and fall of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, unfolds in distinct phases: the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase.

Estrogen levels surge during the follicular phase, peaking just before ovulation, while progesterone levels rise during the luteal phase, reaching their zenith in the days following ovulation.

These hormonal fluctuations orchestrate a delicate interplay that extends beyond reproductive functions, exerting profound effects on neurological processes.

Estrogen, often touted as the “female hormone,” wields neuroprotective properties that may help elevate the seizure threshold, making it harder for seizures to occur.

In contrast, progesterone, the hormone predominant in the latter half of the menstrual cycle, may exert a less protective influence, potentially rendering some women more susceptible to seizures.