title: Neuroendocrine evaluation in catamenial epilepsy.
abstract: The hypothesis that catamenial epilepsy depends on abnormal rhythmic hormone activity in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis has never been critically tested. No significant modifications in the secretory pattern of pituitary hormones, both basally and in response to stimulatory tests, were found in a group of catamenial epileptic women. On the contrary, our data showed a reduction of luteal phase progesterone secretion. These findings indicate that an imbalanced secretion of ovarian steroids plays a role in the catamenial exacerbation of epilepsy.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000378:metabolism*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000097:blood*; D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary; D011374:Progesterone; D011388:Prolactin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone