Your Thyroid…What Everyone with Epilepsy Should Know

Your Thyroid…What Everyone with Epilepsy Should Know | June 1, 2011

Touch your neck, right above your collar-bone, and you’ll find a little gland called your thyroid. It only weighs an ounce, yet this thyroid’s hormones control your metabolism.

When those hormones are balanced, everything is fine. But if your thyroid makes just a little less or more than you need…it could cause havoc, both with how you function and the effectiveness of your AEDs.

Hypothyroidism – or an underactive thyroid – is the real baddy. It can result in fatigue, weight gain, constipation, fuzzy thinking, low blood pressure, fluid retention, depression, body pain, slow reflexes, and much more.

On the other hand, hyperthyroidism – an overactive thyroid — can result in a rapid metabolism and symptoms like: anxiety, insomnia, rapid weight loss, diarrhea, high heart rate, high blood pressure, eye sensitivity/bulging eyes, vision disturbances, and many other concerns.

Although any kind of hormone irregularity is cause for concern, endocrinologists, generally consider hypothyroidism the worse of the two.

Which leads us to the bad news…

In a new study, when researchers at the American Academy of Neurology called for hormone testing…

The team found that about 32% of epilepsy patients who were taking anti-epileptic drugs (both in mono or polytherapy) had thyroid hormone abnormalities.

The most relevant finding was in patients who were taking Depakote (Valproate) as a monotherapy.

Previous studied had shown that Depakote increased the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormones which, in turn, can lead to hyperthyroidism.

However, when recent research compared anti-epileptic drugs, they found that the following drugs actually encouraged hypothyroidism. (The no-no.) These drugs were:

Depakote – Valproate (61.5% greater incidence of hypothyroidism)

Tegretol – Carbamaepine (47.9% greater incidence of hypothyroidism)

Dilantin – Phenytoin (17% greater incidence of hypothyroidism)

Although both thyroid irregularities can be successfully treated, you have to know they exist, in order to alter the situation.

If you have hypothyroidism, researchers suggest large doses of selenium — a common over-the-counter supplement — to bring your thyroid levels back up. You can probably get enough selenium by taking a good multi-vitamin and mineral product. Just make sure you’re getting 200 mcg per day of selenium.

Hyperthyroidism is relatively rare and can be treated successfully with anti-thyroid drugs, prescribed by your doctor.

However, the bottom line is that thyroid illness is more common than you think. That’s why we need to be pro-active about thyroid testing. When you go to your internist, insist on running a full thyroid panel of T4, T3 and TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone). Most docs will only test your TSH and tell you everything is ducky if you don’t spell out the full panel requested.

(Believe me, I speak from experience.)

Also, please take the initiative to ask for your results and check them against the norms, before you decide to take any action. If you think you do have hypothyroidism, it’s as easy as taking selenium or a thyroid supplement. And if your testing shows you to have hyperthyroidism, it’s just a matter of taking an anti-thyroid medication. And in a little time, it will probably “fix” itself. But make sure of your results first!

Your thyroid might be the last thing on your mind. But please, if you’re on any kind of AED, ask your doctor to run a full thyroid test panel once a year. It could make a world of difference in how you feel.

Resources:

http://www.greenliveforever.com/general-health/becareful-antiepileptic-drug-patient-epilepsy-developed-thyroid-hormone-abnormalities-subclinical-hypothyroidsm-death

http://altmedangel.com/hypothy.htm

http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f22/thyroid-dysfunction-seizures-2738/

http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_causes_hypothyroidism_000038_2.htm

http://www.netwellness.org/healthtopics/thyroid/thyroidtreatment.cfm

http://thyroid.about.com/od/symptomsrisks/a/symptomsrisks.htm

http://www.womentowomen.com/hypothyroidism/thyroidandmenopause.aspx#factors

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Posted in Epilepsy, Medication Issues
Tags: AED effectiveness, homones, metabolism, T3, T4, testing panel, thyroid balance, TSH

24 Comments »

Whoa, Phylis, I could have written this, too. I am hypo-, and had half my thyroid surgically removed several years ago. The fatigue that preceded it was overwhelming. Unfortunately, I’m feeling it again now, but my doctor tests me regularly for TSH, T3, and T4. I am on L-thyroxine daily. It IS cause for concern. I battle the fatigue and weight gain. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Comment by Maggie — June 1, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

Reply
My thyroid situation is a big question mark. I went to Quest 3 times and they still didn’t get all the samples that were requested.

My new internist asked me to go to his local hospital this time for all of my bloodwork, because the system has on-line results in a jiffy and he can find out what’s actually going on.

(Maybe the crew at Quest are vampires in disguise!)

He also requested a zillion other blood tests, some ordinary CBCs, blood levels for drugs, and other ones I’m not sure about.

Happily, he’s thorough and at last I’ll find out what the real deal is!

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — June 1, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

Reply
Quest. Uh. I don’t go there anymore, as the person who manned the lab was the most unpleasant, rude, unsmiling person I have ever, ever encountered. She always behaved as if the people coming in the door were the biggest bother to her. I couldn’t stand it, so go to the hospital lab instead. Love the idea of instant online results. That’s super. I can get mine by phone the same day.

Comment by Maggie — June 1, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

Reply
- Ditto!!! Same deal.
  
  Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — June 2, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun
  
  Reply
OK, so I’m replying in order to continue to be able to use Epilepsy Talk. Let’s see if I do this right.

Comment by Maggie — June 2, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

Reply
Nope, those boxes are nowhere in sight. What am I to do?

Comment by Maggie — June 2, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

Reply
Now I checked the two boxes in the email you sent. Maybe that’s what I needed to do. Hope I’m still signed up.

Comment by Maggie — June 2, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

Reply
If all else fails, you can go to the home page and at the end of the right hand column it says “manage your subscription.”

But I think once you post something new, the 2 boxes will appear at the end of your comment.

They sure don’t make it easy…

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — June 2, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

Reply
Hi Maggie,

I just did this. But, I didn’t reply under a Post. I used the Leave A Reply box. The 2 little boxes are rite under it. I thought about using the ones in the emal. But, thought I would try this first. My replies are coming thru.

Phylis, your article was Great! As Usul! Strange. A friend was visiting me this week & we were discussing Thyroid Issues. She had Crohn’s when younger & is concerned cuz, lately, DRS aren’t concerned & blow her off. Even though she has relevant symptoms. What’s weird, though, is she has symptoms for Both Hyper & Hypo. She is seeing a New DR soon. Hopefully she will get answers this time. I will get her to read this article First! Even though she doesn’t have EP. And she has done her ‘homework’ on the subject. Can’t hurt to have More Opinions. THANK YOU!

Love Candi

Comment by candi — June 5, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

Reply
Well, I just had to fill out everything except my mother’s maiden name under “Leave a reply.” Plus there are those 2 stupid boxes on the bottom also! They must have gotten hacked or something, to be this careful…or paranoid.

Any way, back to your friend Candi. The most essential thing is for her is to get a FULL panel of thyroid testing, which no one does, unless you INSIST. Here’s what she needs:

Thyroid Panel (TSH, T4, Free T4, Free T3)

This test includes the following:

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Evaluates overall thyroid function.

Total Thyroxine (T4)
Evaluates the total amount of T4 produced by the thyroid gland.

Free Thyroxine (T4)
Evaluates the amount of T4 available to the cells and tissues.

Free Tri-iodothyronine (T3)
Measures the amount of T3 (the active form of the hormone) available to the cells and tissues.

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — June 6, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

Reply
WOW! You got a New Reply Box. QL that your site can be logged onto using other sites. Hope this Posts. I will be asking Patricia Questions about which tests were run. She said they drained her of a Lot of Blood when she was in the Hosp,. Repeating tests they had previously done in DR office.

I was just reading a Reply from Shelia concerning this thread. Seems she Has had All the tests done & she experiences Both Hypo/hyper, also. How Strange! No wonder DRs can’t figure us out.

Love Candi

Comment by candi — June 8, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

Reply
Weird! My Reply posted, yet remained in the Leave a Reply Box, too. I deleted it, to type this message. Love Candi

Comment by candi — June 8, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

Reply
Noted I have several epilepsy.com & one coping-with-epilepsy.com, discussions saved as Fav on this topic. But, here is another Link I saved concerning Epilepsy/Thyroid. For those interested in this Topic. The More ya Know.! Ya Know?
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Neurology/Thyroid-causing-Epilepsy/show/29734

Love Candi

Comment by candi — June 8, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

Reply
- Unfortunately, they seem to have changed the topic.
  
  Or else, I’m my usually technology challenged self.
  
  Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — June 8, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun
  
  Reply
I gotta say, this was an eye-opener. As I have aged, so have my thyroid levels. I was unaware that my medicines were playing a part in it’s action. I have also found that my cycle plays a big cue as to when it’s normal or down. Just another issue to address as I am middle-aged!

Comment by Sheila Dobbs Ilagan — June 17, 2011 @ 9:15 AMJun -04:00Jun

Reply
Shelia, has anyone ever diagnosed you with Catamenial Epilepsy?

According to the Epilepsy Foundation: Catamenial epilepsy refers to seizures exacerbation and related to the menstrual cycle. The most common pattern is an increased tendency for seizures just before, or at the onset of menstruation.

Some women with epilepsy may have more frequent seizures mid-cycle, with ovulation. Causes of catamenial epilepsy include:
•progesterone withdrawal premenstrually;
•hormonal imbalances with high estrogen to progesterone ratios prior to ovulation; and
•changes in anti-epileptic drug (AED) levels, i.e., decreased AED levels premenstrually.

Seizure exacerbation may also occur during the entire second half of the cycle in anovulatory cycles where the estrogen level becomes high, before midcycle without the protective effect of progesterone.

Some women with epilepsy may experience decreased serum AED levels premenstrually, related to increased hepatic metabolism of AEDs. Adjusting doses accordingly or using adjunctive AED therapy during this time may be helpful.

I hope this helps rather than confusing you!

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — June 17, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

Reply
- Thank you, Phylis, for the information. While I was told some time ago that having increased seizure activity during the time a round my cycle, I was not told about the AED’s levels playing a part in my hormones, but I was given information about what to expect or look out for during this time…and, I was told it was something “normal,” and something to be expected at this time. Thank you for filling in the challenge with more detail!
  
  Comment by Sheila Dobbs Ilagan — June 18, 2011 @ 9:15 AMJun -04:00Jun
  
  Reply
Thank you Phylis. I was just reading some of your comments and I just have a few questions on the thyroid subject. I have had epilepsy all my life and have been on and off AEDs until a couple of years ago. I have just been diagnosed with hypothyroidism or slightly low hypo and not looking forward to any long term treatment. I know it is the worse of the two but is it possible that the AEDs are what caused the hypo and do you have any recomendations for any natural treatment?

Comment by Kassandra — May 17, 2012 @ 9:15 PMMay -04:00May

Reply
I’m not sure if AEDs are the culprit, but I do know that my friend has been using desiccated thyroid — a thyroid drug derived from the dried thyroid gland of pigs. (I know, it sounds gross.) She swears by it, and has been taking it for eons.

Common brand names include Armour Thyroid, Nature-throid, Westhroid, and Biotech. These are FDA-regulated, prescription drugs — not to be confused with over-the-counter, non-prescription thyroid glandulars that you can buy at the vitamin store.

To find out more about Armour Thyroid (the one my friend takes) and Thyrolar, take a look at http://thyroid.about.com/cs/thyroiddrugs/a/armour.htm

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — May 17, 2012 @ 9:15 PMMay -04:00May

Reply
- This is a very important topic for all (probably TMI for all the men out there). I’m afraid to have to admit I’ve been on many different AED’s, however one issue is always the same: my thyroid always jumps from “too active,” to “slow,” within a 30 day cycle. Being female, I found that the hyper stage is just after my cycle, and I’m feeling great- but the hypo stage is just before the onset of my feminine cycle. Depression rises, but the water retention is always about 15 lbs., too. I not only recommend this test (I’ve gone both ways), but recommend also discussing the advantages and disadvantages to it’s treatment. It may hurt or harm you, based upon your reason for seizures. Better safe than sorry.
  
  Comment by Sheila — May 18, 2012 @ 9:15 AMMay -04:00May
  
  Reply
  - Catamenial Epilepsy – Do You Have It?
    http://epilepsytalk.com/2011/08/07/catamenial-epilepsy-%e2%80%93-do-you-have-it/
    
    You could have “catamenial epilepsy,” or hormone sensitive seizures, a tendency for increased seizures related to your menstrual cycle. The causes of catamenial epilepsy are not totally understood. It could be an imbalance between your two female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, or you may not be producing enough progesterone during the second half of your menstrual cycle. It is also possible that the amount of antiepileptic drug (AED) circulating in your bloodstream may decrease before menstruation.
    
    One of the main theories, is that seizures around periods may be due to fluctuations in the two major reproductive hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which rise and fall in the menstrual cycle.
    
    The effects of those hormones on brain excitability are at the root of this theory. Estrogen seems to be the “bad guy,” lowering seizure threshold, while progesterone is the “good guy,” offering more protection against seizures and increasing seizure threshold.
    
    Another theory is that seizures around menstruation are linked to premenstrual water retention, which upsets the normal balance of the anti-epileptic drug in your body, thus making it less effective. For this reason, doctors have commonly treated catamenial epilepsy with diuretics to reduce fluid.
    
    You might ask your doc if you should ramp up your AEDs around the times of your cycle…but keep a menstrual diary first, so you can pinpoint the times better.
    
    Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — May 18, 2012 @ 9:15 AMMay -04:00May
  - Im sorry if it seems I go back and forth a bit. I have actually been off of my AEDs for a few years now, since I noticed that they weren’t at all working when I was taking them, I weaned myself off of them. I know that those drugs do not stay in your body forever but I do know a couple of the ones I had been taking we’re a form of birth control. I had been wondering if those had some how messed with my estrogen and progesterone hormones and then somehow maybe just messed with my thyroid. I don’t believe that there is a cure for seizures but I do believe there is a way we can all work with ourselves to figure out what may trigger them and what doesn’t. I know I may not know much but in 24 years theres a lot that I have learned and def do not regret it because it has helped me through a lot and take better care of myself. Every one person with any form of epilepsy is different, but we can all try and help each other whether we are just there for each other to talk to or to figure this out together. So thank you for being there. I sometimes feel alone and that i wish i knew someone that understood but my family don’t no matter how hard they try. Im not downing them because I know they care but its just different. So for everyone out there who are feeling the same just know that your not alone. Hope for the best
    
    Comment by Kassandra — May 18, 2012 @ 9:15 PMMay -04:00May
- thankyou so much again Phylis. I was reading an article about the anti thyroid drugs, being made from the gland of pigs. I was just hoping maybe find some way to help it naturally and not having to take any long term drugs which may affect something else in the body that i don’t need right now. Thankyou so much for all
  your advice
  
  Comment by Kassandra — May 18, 2012 @ 9:15 AMMay -04:00May
  
  Reply
Well, you can’t get more organic than the glands of pigs!

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — May 18, 2012 @ 9:15 AMMay -04:00May

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Whoa, Phylis, I could have written this, too. I am hypo-, and had half my thyroid surgically removed several years ago. The fatigue that preceded it was overwhelming. Unfortunately, I’m feeling it again now, but my doctor tests me regularly for TSH, T3, and T4. I am on L-thyroxine daily. It IS cause for concern. I battle the fatigue and weight gain. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Comment by Maggie — June 1, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

My thyroid situation is a big question mark. I went to Quest 3 times and they still didn’t get all the samples that were requested.

My new internist asked me to go to his local hospital this time for all of my bloodwork, because the system has on-line results in a jiffy and he can find out what’s actually going on.

(Maybe the crew at Quest are vampires in disguise!)

He also requested a zillion other blood tests, some ordinary CBCs, blood levels for drugs, and other ones I’m not sure about.

Happily, he’s thorough and at last I’ll find out what the real deal is!

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — June 1, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

Quest. Uh. I don’t go there anymore, as the person who manned the lab was the most unpleasant, rude, unsmiling person I have ever, ever encountered. She always behaved as if the people coming in the door were the biggest bother to her. I couldn’t stand it, so go to the hospital lab instead. Love the idea of instant online results. That’s super. I can get mine by phone the same day.

Ditto!!! Same deal.

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — June 2, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

OK, so I’m replying in order to continue to be able to use Epilepsy Talk. Let’s see if I do this right.

Comment by Maggie — June 2, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

Nope, those boxes are nowhere in sight. What am I to do?

Now I checked the two boxes in the email you sent. Maybe that’s what I needed to do. Hope I’m still signed up.

If all else fails, you can go to the home page and at the end of the right hand column it says “manage your subscription.”

But I think once you post something new, the 2 boxes will appear at the end of your comment.

They sure don’t make it easy…

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — June 2, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

Hi Maggie,

I just did this. But, I didn’t reply under a Post. I used the Leave A Reply box. The 2 little boxes are rite under it. I thought about using the ones in the emal. But, thought I would try this first. My replies are coming thru.

Phylis, your article was Great! As Usul! Strange. A friend was visiting me this week & we were discussing Thyroid Issues. She had Crohn’s when younger & is concerned cuz, lately, DRS aren’t concerned & blow her off. Even though she has relevant symptoms. What’s weird, though, is she has symptoms for Both Hyper & Hypo. She is seeing a New DR soon. Hopefully she will get answers this time. I will get her to read this article First! Even though she doesn’t have EP. And she has done her ‘homework’ on the subject. Can’t hurt to have More Opinions. THANK YOU!

Love Candi

Comment by candi — June 5, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

Well, I just had to fill out everything except my mother’s maiden name under “Leave a reply.” Plus there are those 2 stupid boxes on the bottom also! They must have gotten hacked or something, to be this careful…or paranoid.

Any way, back to your friend Candi. The most essential thing is for her is to get a FULL panel of thyroid testing, which no one does, unless you INSIST. Here’s what she needs:

Thyroid Panel (TSH, T4, Free T4, Free T3)

This test includes the following:

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Evaluates overall thyroid function.

Total Thyroxine (T4)
Evaluates the total amount of T4 produced by the thyroid gland.

Free Thyroxine (T4)
Evaluates the amount of T4 available to the cells and tissues.

Free Tri-iodothyronine (T3)
Measures the amount of T3 (the active form of the hormone) available to the cells and tissues.

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — June 6, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

WOW! You got a New Reply Box. QL that your site can be logged onto using other sites. Hope this Posts. I will be asking Patricia Questions about which tests were run. She said they drained her of a Lot of Blood when she was in the Hosp,. Repeating tests they had previously done in DR office.

I was just reading a Reply from Shelia concerning this thread. Seems she Has had All the tests done & she experiences Both Hypo/hyper, also. How Strange! No wonder DRs can’t figure us out.

Comment by candi — June 8, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

Weird! My Reply posted, yet remained in the Leave a Reply Box, too. I deleted it, to type this message. Love Candi

Noted I have several epilepsy.com & one coping-with-epilepsy.com, discussions saved as Fav on this topic. But, here is another Link I saved concerning Epilepsy/Thyroid. For those interested in this Topic. The More ya Know.! Ya Know?
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Neurology/Thyroid-causing-Epilepsy/show/29734

Unfortunately, they seem to have changed the topic.

Or else, I’m my usually technology challenged self.

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — June 8, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

I gotta say, this was an eye-opener. As I have aged, so have my thyroid levels. I was unaware that my medicines were playing a part in it’s action. I have also found that my cycle plays a big cue as to when it’s normal or down. Just another issue to address as I am middle-aged!

Comment by Sheila Dobbs Ilagan — June 17, 2011 @ 9:15 AMJun -04:00Jun

Shelia, has anyone ever diagnosed you with Catamenial Epilepsy?

According to the Epilepsy Foundation: Catamenial epilepsy refers to seizures exacerbation and related to the menstrual cycle. The most common pattern is an increased tendency for seizures just before, or at the onset of menstruation.

Some women with epilepsy may have more frequent seizures mid-cycle, with ovulation. Causes of catamenial epilepsy include:
•progesterone withdrawal premenstrually;
•hormonal imbalances with high estrogen to progesterone ratios prior to ovulation; and
•changes in anti-epileptic drug (AED) levels, i.e., decreased AED levels premenstrually.

Seizure exacerbation may also occur during the entire second half of the cycle in anovulatory cycles where the estrogen level becomes high, before midcycle without the protective effect of progesterone.

Some women with epilepsy may experience decreased serum AED levels premenstrually, related to increased hepatic metabolism of AEDs. Adjusting doses accordingly or using adjunctive AED therapy during this time may be helpful.

I hope this helps rather than confusing you!

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — June 17, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJun -04:00Jun

Thank you, Phylis, for the information. While I was told some time ago that having increased seizure activity during the time a round my cycle, I was not told about the AED’s levels playing a part in my hormones, but I was given information about what to expect or look out for during this time…and, I was told it was something “normal,” and something to be expected at this time. Thank you for filling in the challenge with more detail!

Comment by Sheila Dobbs Ilagan — June 18, 2011 @ 9:15 AMJun -04:00Jun

Thank you Phylis. I was just reading some of your comments and I just have a few questions on the thyroid subject. I have had epilepsy all my life and have been on and off AEDs until a couple of years ago. I have just been diagnosed with hypothyroidism or slightly low hypo and not looking forward to any long term treatment. I know it is the worse of the two but is it possible that the AEDs are what caused the hypo and do you have any recomendations for any natural treatment?

Comment by Kassandra — May 17, 2012 @ 9:15 PMMay -04:00May

I’m not sure if AEDs are the culprit, but I do know that my friend has been using desiccated thyroid — a thyroid drug derived from the dried thyroid gland of pigs. (I know, it sounds gross.) She swears by it, and has been taking it for eons.

Common brand names include Armour Thyroid, Nature-throid, Westhroid, and Biotech. These are FDA-regulated, prescription drugs — not to be confused with over-the-counter, non-prescription thyroid glandulars that you can buy at the vitamin store.

To find out more about Armour Thyroid (the one my friend takes) and Thyrolar, take a look at http://thyroid.about.com/cs/thyroiddrugs/a/armour.htm

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — May 17, 2012 @ 9:15 PMMay -04:00May

This is a very important topic for all (probably TMI for all the men out there). I’m afraid to have to admit I’ve been on many different AED’s, however one issue is always the same: my thyroid always jumps from “too active,” to “slow,” within a 30 day cycle. Being female, I found that the hyper stage is just after my cycle, and I’m feeling great- but the hypo stage is just before the onset of my feminine cycle. Depression rises, but the water retention is always about 15 lbs., too. I not only recommend this test (I’ve gone both ways), but recommend also discussing the advantages and disadvantages to it’s treatment. It may hurt or harm you, based upon your reason for seizures. Better safe than sorry.

Comment by Sheila — May 18, 2012 @ 9:15 AMMay -04:00May

- Catamenial Epilepsy – Do You Have It?
  http://epilepsytalk.com/2011/08/07/catamenial-epilepsy-%e2%80%93-do-you-have-it/
  
  You could have “catamenial epilepsy,” or hormone sensitive seizures, a tendency for increased seizures related to your menstrual cycle. The causes of catamenial epilepsy are not totally understood. It could be an imbalance between your two female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, or you may not be producing enough progesterone during the second half of your menstrual cycle. It is also possible that the amount of antiepileptic drug (AED) circulating in your bloodstream may decrease before menstruation.
  
  One of the main theories, is that seizures around periods may be due to fluctuations in the two major reproductive hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which rise and fall in the menstrual cycle.
  
  The effects of those hormones on brain excitability are at the root of this theory. Estrogen seems to be the “bad guy,” lowering seizure threshold, while progesterone is the “good guy,” offering more protection against seizures and increasing seizure threshold.
  
  Another theory is that seizures around menstruation are linked to premenstrual water retention, which upsets the normal balance of the anti-epileptic drug in your body, thus making it less effective. For this reason, doctors have commonly treated catamenial epilepsy with diuretics to reduce fluid.
  
  You might ask your doc if you should ramp up your AEDs around the times of your cycle…but keep a menstrual diary first, so you can pinpoint the times better.
  
  Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — May 18, 2012 @ 9:15 AMMay -04:00May
- Im sorry if it seems I go back and forth a bit. I have actually been off of my AEDs for a few years now, since I noticed that they weren’t at all working when I was taking them, I weaned myself off of them. I know that those drugs do not stay in your body forever but I do know a couple of the ones I had been taking we’re a form of birth control. I had been wondering if those had some how messed with my estrogen and progesterone hormones and then somehow maybe just messed with my thyroid. I don’t believe that there is a cure for seizures but I do believe there is a way we can all work with ourselves to figure out what may trigger them and what doesn’t. I know I may not know much but in 24 years theres a lot that I have learned and def do not regret it because it has helped me through a lot and take better care of myself. Every one person with any form of epilepsy is different, but we can all try and help each other whether we are just there for each other to talk to or to figure this out together. So thank you for being there. I sometimes feel alone and that i wish i knew someone that understood but my family don’t no matter how hard they try. Im not downing them because I know they care but its just different. So for everyone out there who are feeling the same just know that your not alone. Hope for the best
  
  Comment by Kassandra — May 18, 2012 @ 9:15 PMMay -04:00May
thankyou so much again Phylis. I was reading an article about the anti thyroid drugs, being made from the gland of pigs. I was just hoping maybe find some way to help it naturally and not having to take any long term drugs which may affect something else in the body that i don’t need right now. Thankyou so much for all
your advice

Comment by Kassandra — May 18, 2012 @ 9:15 AMMay -04:00May

Well, you can’t get more organic than the glands of pigs!

Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — May 18, 2012 @ 9:15 AMMay -04:00May

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