---
title: What is catamenial epilepsy and how can it be treated? | Niyora
description: Catamenial epilepsy is when seizures cluster around specific times in the menstrual cycle, affecting at least one in three women with epilepsy. Progesterone o
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/perimenstrual-catamenial-epilepsy-2007/
---

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- What is catamenial epilepsy and how can it be treated?

Study, 2007

# What is catamenial epilepsy and how can it be treated?

Catamenial epilepsy is when seizures cluster around specific times in the menstrual cycle, affecting at least one in three women with epilepsy. Progesterone or neurosteroid drugs may help.

 Early or limited evidence

Women with epilepsy who experience seizures clustered around the menstrual cycle

## What they did

This is a review article that describes what is known about catamenial epilepsy, including its causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

## What they found

In catamenial epilepsy, seizures occur most often around the time of the period or during ovulation. Progesterone or synthetic neurosteroids appear to be a suitable treatment approach.

## What it means for you

Some women with epilepsy have seizures tied to their menstrual cycle. Hormone-based treatment may help. A main limit is this is a review of existing knowledge, not new research with specific results.

at least 1 in 3

Women with epilepsy experiencing catamenial seizures

50 million

People worldwide with epilepsy

## About the study

Original title Perimenstrual catamenial epilepsy Authors Reddy DS Journal Women's health (London, England) Year 2007 Study design Study Participants 50 What was tested Progesterone or synthetic neurosteroid replacement Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.2217/17455057.3.2.195](https://doi.org/10.2217/17455057.3.2.195)

## Topics

[Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-neurosteroids/)[Epilepsy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-epilepsy/)

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Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

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Cohort study, 2025

Do women with epilepsy show different brain patterns during different phases of their menstrual cycle?

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Lab study, 2014

Does the hormone drop around the menstrual period change the brain's response to a calming chemical?

Lab study, 2013

Could antidepressants help prevent PMS by keeping brain chemicals stable?

Survey study, 2012

How do changes in brain chemicals during your cycle affect seizures?

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