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Epilepsy and HRT
So I have epilepsy that’s sensitive to hormonal changes since I was a teenager.
I had hysterectomy surgery two years ago (left my ovaries in place) for uterine cancer and fibroids.
Now suddenly my bloodwork hormone levels are higher and my OBGYN is suspicious of perimenopause even though I just turned 40.
I’m surprised because my mom and aunt didn’t naturally enter menopause until they were in their 50s. I’m wondering if my surgery sped things up, which if true really depresses me.
Now I have to consider HRT; but that’s precarious because it can lower my seizure threshold.
Has anyone had luck with any low dose of HRT estrogen such as vaginal suppositories or the patch for example?
I’m so emotionally and physically drained at the point that I feel like giving up… 😭
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Hi, @chigal10. I'm so sorry you're dealing with all of this. Navigating hormonal changes while also managing your epilepsy is a lot to carry -- it's no wonder you're feeling drained by it all.
I've also added your conversation to the Epilepsy & Seizure support group so that perhaps others who have epilepsy can offer their advice on what worked for them.
It sounds like you're considering HRT to help balance your hormone levels since your epilepsy is sensitive to fluctuations -- is that right?
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1 ReactionHi @chigal10. Like you, I just turned 40 last month, had a hysterectomy in 2019 for dysmenorrhea, which was subsequent of severe endometriosis, am in menopause, started BHRT in October and have epilepsy! Aren't we lucky?!
So, my experience with HRT and epilepsy has been okay. However, as I stated above, I haven't been on HRT for very long and will be adjusting it or finding alternatives next month when I go to my follow up, as I believe it has begun causing me to have syncope (fainting) episodes as well as random vomiting. All the HRT I am on is bio-identical. I didn't want synthetic specifically because of my seizures. Whether that affects it or not is beyond me, but I just wanted a more natural approach. I am currently on the Lyllana estradiol patch 0.0375mg patch that I change out twice weekly. I also take 100mg of prometrium daily and I take testosterone cream as well. Honestly, I don't know how well they work for me because I have only noticed a slight decrease in some symptoms. What kind of seizures do you have? I have tonic-clonic seizures, so the fainting is nothing new to me unfortunately LOL. You definitely need to talk with your doctor about HRT because menopause and HRT can cause syncope in some people and you certainly don't want to feel worse if you can avoid it.
Your care team needs to work together to find a good solution for you and a good HRT because there are so many different forms of it out there on the market and we are all different. I wish you luck in your medical journey.
Ashley