Research has shown hormones being connected to seizures. It is also not uncommon for hormone therapies to mess with the brain and lead to seizures. But why? Well, hormones simply affect the brain’s electrical activity. Let’s get into it…
If estrogen is high or changes quickly, that can cause a seizure just as much as a drop in progesterone can. These fluctuations lower the seizure threshold, meaning the brain becomes more sensitive and more likely to seize. Hormones are a very delicate thing, as we know from the biological process of hormonal changes. Too much or too little mixed into the chemistry lab that is the human body, or adding opposite hormones to a body that is wired to handle only its native hormone patterns (this is not to be mean, this is just honesty), can cause issues. Even small hormonal imbalances in biological men and women can cause severe problems, from mood swings to migraines to seizures.
Why?
1. Estrogen increases neuronal excitability
It enhances glutamate activity, which excites brain cells. This is why seizures are more likely during times of high estrogen, like ovulation or certain phases of hormone therapy.
2. Progesterone has a calming effect
It increases GABA, a neurotransmitter that quiets brain activity. When progesterone drops, like before menstruation or after stopping therapy, that calming effect disappears, making seizures more likely.
3. The estrogen-progesterone balance matters
It is not just high or low levels, but the ratio and timing of changes that affect seizure risk. A sudden spike or crash is more dangerous than stable levels.
4. People with epilepsy are especially sensitive
For women with epilepsy, hormonal shifts often align with seizure patterns. This is known as catamenial epilepsy. Hormone therapy can worsen this.
5. Hormone therapy used in menopause, fertility treatments, or transgender care has shown seizure risk in some cases, especially when hormone levels change too quickly or are not monitored closely.
6. Brain chemistry is hormone-sensitive
The brain is full of hormone receptors. Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones all interact with the brain’s wiring, affecting sleep, mood, memory, and seizure risk.
Dangers of Hormone Therapy in Transgender Transitions
Transitioning with hormone therapy carries medical risks that need serious attention. Introducing estrogen to a male body or testosterone to a female body changes more than outward appearance. These hormones affect every system, including the brain, liver, cardiovascular system, and reproductive organs. Some risks include:
• Blood clots, especially with high estrogen
• Increased stroke risk
• Liver strain or dysfunction
• Emotional instability or mental health changes
• Increased risk of seizures in people with neurological sensitivity
• Higher chances of bone density loss without proper support
Not all bodies respond the same. A person transitioning may face unique challenges if their body cannot process or balance the introduced hormones correctly. This is why regular lab work, neurological evaluations, and psychiatric check-ins are essential when undergoing hormone therapy. Which, is not cheap. Remember… It is not just about identity, but also about safely managing the serious medical effects of altering hormonal chemistry.
A little backstory. My mother is epileptic, so I know a lot about seizures and brain activities. Watching her and researching with her (attending doctor appointments, self-research and so forth) has shown me firsthand how sensitive the brain is to chemical changes and how something as small as a hormone fluctuation can make a big difference.
We are a chemistry lab, be careful what you introduce or remove from the body.
Zenia is a multifaceted artist, musician, singer, actress, and tech advisor, dedicated to inspiring transformation through authentic expression. A natural wellness advocate and activist, she supports movements, foundations, and individuals committed to meaningful change. Zenia empowers people to live from the heart, harnessing the power of music, art, lifestyle shifts, and conscious awareness. Rooted in a family legacy of yoga, meditation, holistic health, education, and law, she carries forward a tradition of healing and knowledge, blending artistry with advocacy to make a lasting impact on the world.
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