Survey study, 1975
Are hormone levels different in women with seizures that occur before their period?
Yes, women with seizures before menstruation had significantly lower levels of a hormone called 17-KS. Researchers think this may play a role in premenstrual seizures, but the results are not yet conclusive.
What they did
Cross-sectional study of 11 women whose epileptic seizures occurred most frequently on the first or second day before menstruation, and 7 women with seizures not linked to the menstrual cycle. Researchers measured two types of hormones, called 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and 17-ketosteroids, in urine samples.
What they found
A statistically significant decrease of 17-KS was demonstrated in women with premenstrual seizures. In both groups, free 17-OHCS were near the lower normal range, while total 17-OHCS were reduced compared to normal values (p less than 0.01). The authors suggest that the fall in 17-KS may play some role in the mechanism of seizure release in the premenstrual period.
What it means for you
Certain hormones may be involved in seizures that happen before menstruation, but researchers stress that these results are insufficient to understand the full mechanism. The study is very small and does not prove cause and effect.
11
women with premenstrual seizures
7
women with seizures unrelated to cycle
p < 0.01
statistical significance
About the study
- Original title
- [Urinary excretion of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and 17-ketosteroids in women with epileptic seizures during the premenstrual period]
- Authors
- Rościszewska D, Buntner B
- Journal
- Neurologia i neurochirurgia polska
- Year
- 1975
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 11
- What was tested
- None; this was observational research
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1171385/
Topics
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