Intermittent progesterone therapy and frequency of complex partial seizures in women with menstrual disorders

Abstract

We studied eight women who had complex partial seizures and anovulatory cycles or inadequate luteal phases. Progesterone suppositories were given during the premenstrual phase or entire second half of the cycle in doses of 50 to 400 mg q12h. Antiseizure medication levels were kept in the therapeutic range. Average monthly seizure frequency declined by 68% (p less than 0.05, Wilcoxon matched-pairs test) in a 3-month treatment period compared with the 3 months prior to therapy, and six of the eight women had fewer seizures. None experienced more seizures or disruption of menses. Transient tiredness and depression were noted in some when progesterone dosage was raised above minimally effective levels. These symptoms cleared within 48 hours of lowering the dosage. The value of intermittent natural progesterone therapy as a safe, well-tolerated, and effective adjunct to antiseizure therapy should be assessed further.