---
title: How do hormones change the brain in PMDD and menstrual-related seizures?
description: Sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone affect brain chemicals that control mood and seizure activity. These effects may explain why both PMDD and menstru
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-role-of-sex-steroids-in-catamenial-epilepsy-and-premenstrual-dysphoric-2008/
---

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- How do hormones change the brain in PMDD and menstrual-related seizures?

Interview study, 2008

# How do hormones change the brain in PMDD and menstrual-related seizures?

Sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone affect brain chemicals that control mood and seizure activity. These effects may explain why both PMDD and menstrual-related seizures worsen around the menstrual cycle, suggesting similar treatments might help both conditions.

 Early or limited evidence

Review article - no specific population studied

## What they did

A review of existing research examining how sex hormones including estradiol, progesterone, and allopregnanolone affect brain chemicals and how these changes relate to PMDD and catamenial epilepsy (seizures linked to the menstrual cycle).

## What they found

Sex hormones have powerful effects on the brain's main inhibitory and excitatory chemicals called GABA and glutamate. These effects on brain chemicals may explain both PMDD and menstrual-related seizure disorders. The two conditions share similar patterns and may have related brain chemistry causes.

## What it means for you

PMDD and menstrual-related seizures may share common causes involving changes in brain chemistry from hormones. This suggests researchers might be able to develop treatments that help both conditions. However, more studies are needed since this is a review of existing knowledge, not new research findings.

## About the study

Original title The role of sex steroids in catamenial epilepsy and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: implications for diagnosis and treatment Authors Guille C, Spencer S, Cavus I et al. Journal Epilepsy & behavior : E&B Year 2008 Study design Interview study What was tested None - review of existing research Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2008.02.004](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2008.02.004)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-neurosteroids/)[Epilepsy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-epilepsy/)

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## Related studies

Review, 2003

How do menstrual cycle hormones affect the brain and cause mood disorders like PMDD?

Randomised trial, 2009

Does a hormone called allopregnanolone calm the body's startle reaction in PMDD?

Survey study, 2000

Why do women get more anxious when hormone levels drop?

Systematic review, 2026

Why do some women experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle?

Case-control study, 2024

Do steroid hormone levels change differently across the menstrual cycle in women with PMDD?

Survey study, 2022

What causes PMS and PMDD and what new treatments are being studied?

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