Can seizures be caused by birth control?

I think your gut is right.  I had my first seizure when I was 16 and on my period.  I had another one a few months again while on my period.  I was on meds for a few years, then slowly weened myself off them.  Right now I have an progestrone IUD and haven't had any seizures of six years (I'm on my second IUD).  I also didn't have any seizures while on Norplant 15 years ago.  However, between the Norplant and the IUD, I had two more seizures, both while on my period.  I swear to God, I think the progestrone in the IUD works for me, or else I grew out of the seizures.  One more thing, while on Norplant, and then the progestrone IUD, I barely, if ever menstrated.

I'm 28 years old. I've also only had a couple seizures in my life (only 2 just last year out of nowhere) and I was on ortho tri-cylen lo also.  I also have had hormone abnormalities of some sort for many years...my cycle is always irregular and I had really bad cramps.  I also have cystic ovaries.  Anyways, I began considering the connection between my hormones and seizures as doctors couldn't find any reason for the seizures and I have no family history.  I'm currently reading a pretty good book about hormones called "It's my Ovaries, Stupid!" by Elizabeth Lee Vliet, MD.  It's not specific to epilepsy but it does give you avenues on how to get your concerns regarding hormones heard by MDs and their connection to the brain   It also gives adivce regarding which MDs will have the most expertise regarding this.  One article I read suggested seeing a neuroendocrinologist. There are tests that can measure ovarian hormones at different times in the cycle but most docs think it's unnecessary or don't have knowledge on the subject.  It seems hormones are mostly looked at in relation to fertility.   Also, on the epilepsy.com website there are articles regarding hormones and epilepsy.  I found some by typing in "seizures and hormones" in google.  I'm seeing a new neurologist in April and I'm going to breach the subject so we'll see what response I get.  Anyone have advice on talking to the doctor about this?

My now 19 year old daughter, began taking Loestrin at 17 for severe/excessive bleeding during her period and migrain headaches.&nbsp; After approximately one year on Loesterin her doctor changed her prescription to Yaz.&nbsp; After 2/3 months of taking Yaz, my daughter ended up in the emergency room after suffering from what was referred to us as a benign rolandic epilepsy attack.&nbsp; Apparently, after falling asleep on the couch at a friends house she began seizing and her college friends immediately contacted the paramedics.&nbsp; An MRI confirmed no vascular involvement but the EEG indicated seizures during sleep.&nbsp; As you might have expected she was prescribed medication (Keppra) and sent home.&nbsp; The neurologist indicated to us that my daughter was the 4th patient from her university that week suffering the exact same symptoms.&nbsp; The physician further explained that she believed stress was the catalyst behind the attack.&nbsp; Well, needless to say, we were not comfortable with the explanation.&nbsp; Our family has no genetic history of epilepsy, my daughter is a girl (obviously) which does not fit the profile since the majority of BRE's are male and she has otherwise been a totally healthy, calm child.&nbsp; After some research and brainstorming, we realized that she more than likely had other episodes but went unnoticed because she only has them during sleep.&nbsp;&nbsp;We believe the&nbsp;seizures began when she began hormone therapy (birth control).&nbsp; She routinely takes Iibuprofin for headaches.&nbsp; Information from the manufacturer as well as the FDA indicate that medications such as Advil and Aleve should NOT be taken with these meds.&nbsp; Potassium levels rise to dangerous levels causing a plethera of additional complications.&nbsp; Unfortunately, we were not warned of this adverse reaction from her OBGYN.&nbsp; Also beware of Benedryl (diphenhydramine) which also increases the frequency of seizures or even causes first time seizures.&nbsp; Furthermore,&nbsp; Epilepsy.com states that women who have epilepsy report an increase in seizures around the time of their monthly cycle which my daughter does not do.&nbsp; Likely, hormones cause changes in frquency.&nbsp; Nerve cells are directly affected by estrogen and progesterone.&nbsp; Particularly disturbing, are studies involving animals which show that high doses of estrogen can cause or worsen seizures.&nbsp; For now, we have elected to pitch out all birth control hormones, eliminate Ibuprofin and hold off on the Keppra until we have additional information/testing done. After many hours on the internet and talking to others it is clear we are not alone.&nbsp; It has been two days since my daughters episode and already we are aware of 6 girls (all on birth control) suffering the same symptoms.&nbsp; Check out <a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/69479.php">www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/69479.php</a> and <a href="http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/1031002294.html">http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/1031002294.html</a>&nbsp;. These studies&nbsp;from Northwestern University and Wisconsin's Department of Neurology validate the hypothesis that birth control may/can contribute to epilepsy.&nbsp;&nbsp; Good Luck!