Epilepsy Talk

Catamenial epilepsy — do you have it?

May 5, 2025
2 Comments

Do you notice that your seizures worsen just before your period…or during the first few days…or at mid-cycle?

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.


Is there a connection between seizures and hormones?

January 28, 2024
14 Comments

Many women with epilepsy have asked their doctors about the connection between seizures and hormones. But not every woman has seen her concerns given the attention she’d hoped for.

Although it is not very well understood at this point, there are scientifically documented connections between seizures and hormones that not all physicians are educated about.

What are hormones?


Hormones and Epilepsy in Women and Men…

January 28, 2021
15 Comments

There’s a dynamic relationship between hormones, brain function, and seizures.

Whether you’re a woman or a man, sex hormones can influence the excitability of nerve cells in the brain and thus influence seizure control.

Hormones generally don’t cause seizures but can influence if or when they happen.


    About the author

    Phylis Feiner Johnson

    Phylis Feiner Johnson

    I've been a professional copywriter for over 35 years. I also had epilepsy for decades. My mission is advocacy; to increase education, awareness and funding for epilepsy research. Together, we can make a huge difference. If not changing the world, at least helping each other, with wisdom, compassion and sharing.

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