TLE and pituitary abnormalities

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I was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy 7 years ago and it has been under control with Lamotrigine ever since. During my epilepsy diagnosis I had an MRI which revealed a 'small cystic area within the pituitary gland', but was deemed a ‘non specific finding’ and was no cause for concern. My temporal lobe otherwise looked healthy.   I have had long-standing issue with my hormones, and for the last 10 years I have been back and fore to multiple doctors trying to get to the bottom of my irregular menstrual cycle. For the last two years, the bleeding in-between periods has gotten much worse and my anxiety and mood has pretty much hit rock bottom, so I visited yet another doctor who discovered my prolactin levels were through the roof. I subsequently had an MRI scan which revealed I have a prolactin-producing tumour (Prolactinoma) on my pituitary gland. The endocrinologist seems to think that this is causing my hormonal problems. I am aware (after my own research) that hormonal problems in epilepsy, particularly TLE, are common, but I was wondering if there are any others out there that have TLE and any other pituitary conditions? I can’t help but think that all three are related given that the temporal lobe and pituitary gland are right next to each other!

Comments

Hi, Thank you for posting, it

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 2020-02-19 - 10:09

Hi, Thank you for posting, it sounds like you've been through a lot. You may want to consider seeing aA neuroendocrine specialist, neurologist with training in hormone disorders and their effects on brain function. These physicians are usually found at hospitals or health care centers with programs devoted to epilepsy treatment, often called Comprehensive Epilepsy Centers.To find an epilepsy center or doctor near you, please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/find-epilepsy-specialistAs you mentioned, some women with seizures that start in the temporal lobes of the brain seem more likely to have reproductive disorders, than women in the general population. Certain epilepsy medications seem to interfere with hormone regulation too. https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/women/all-women/hormones-and-epilepsyKeeping a journal or a diary may be a helpful tool for you to have to review with you healthcare team to help recognize any patterns, that would allow you to modify (if needed)your treatment plan, behavior or lifestyle appropriately. My Seizure Diary:https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryis a great tool for identifying & tracking seizures, setting reminders, managing medications & side effects, recording medical history, moods, behaviors, triggers,and other therapies or personal experiences, that may affect seizures and wellness.We understand that living with epilepsy is more than seizures, it also means learning how to handle the way epilepsy affects your life including your physical well-being, social and emotional health. https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/healthy-living/emotional-healthSometimes it's helpful to connect with other people who live with epilepsy, to ask questions, share experiences,find & give support to each other. Contact your local Epilepsy Foundation at: https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliates to find support groups, events, and programs in your community. Or contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: epilepsy.com/helplinewhere trained information specialists are available to answer your questions, offer help, hope, support, guidance, and access to national and local resources. 1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org.

Hi, Thank you for posting, it sounds like you've been through a lot. You may want to consider seeing aA neuroendocrine specialist, neurologist with training in hormone disorders and their effects on brain function. These physicians are usually found at hospitals or health care centers with programs devoted to epilepsy treatment, often called Comprehensive Epilepsy Centers.To find an epilepsy center or doctor near you, please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/find-epilepsy-specialistAs you mentioned, some women with seizures that start in the temporal lobes of the brain seem more likely to have reproductive disorders, than women in the general population. Certain epilepsy medications seem to interfere with hormone regulation too. https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/women/all-women/hormones-and-epilepsyKeeping a journal or a diary may be a helpful tool for you to have to review with you healthcare team to help recognize any patterns, that would allow you to modify (if needed)your treatment plan, behavior or lifestyle appropriately. My Seizure Diary:https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryis a great tool for identifying & tracking seizures, setting reminders, managing medications & side effects, recording medical history, moods, behaviors, triggers,and other therapies or personal experiences, that may affect seizures and wellness.We understand that living with epilepsy is more than seizures, it also means learning how to handle the way epilepsy affects your life including your physical well-being, social and emotional health. https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/healthy-living/emotional-healthSometimes it's helpful to connect with other people who live with epilepsy, to ask questions, share experiences,find & give support to each other. Contact your local Epilepsy Foundation at: https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliates to find support groups, events, and programs in your community. Or contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: epilepsy.com/helplinewhere trained information specialists are available to answer your questions, offer help, hope, support, guidance, and access to national and local resources. 1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org. 

Hi, Thank you for posting, it sounds like you've been through a lot. You may want to consider seeing aA neuroendocrine specialist, neurologist with training in hormone disorders and their effects on brain function. These physicians are usually found at hospitals or health care centers with programs devoted to epilepsy treatment, often called Comprehensive Epilepsy Centers.To find an epilepsy center or doctor near you, please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/find-epilepsy-specialistAs you mentioned, some women with seizures that start in the temporal lobes of the brain seem more likely to have reproductive disorders, than women in the general population. Certain epilepsy medications seem to interfere with hormone regulation too. https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/women/all-women/hormones-and-epilepsyKeeping a journal or a diary may be a helpful tool for you to have to review with you healthcare team to help recognize any patterns, that would allow you to modify (if needed)your treatment plan, behavior or lifestyle appropriately. My Seizure Diary:https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryis a great tool for identifying & tracking seizures, setting reminders, managing medications & side effects, recording medical history, moods, behaviors, triggers,and other therapies or personal experiences, that may affect seizures and wellness.We understand that living with epilepsy is more than seizures, it also means learning how to handle the way epilepsy affects your life including your physical well-being, social and emotional health. https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/healthy-living/emotional-healthSometimes it's helpful to connect with other people who live with epilepsy, to ask questions, share experiences,find & give support to each other. Contact your local Epilepsy Foundation at: https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliates to find support groups, events, and programs in your community. Or contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: epilepsy.com/helplinewhere trained information specialists are available to answer your questions, offer help, hope, support, guidance, and access to national and local resources. 1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org.

Hi there,In November I

Submitted by EmilyB_5df11112e72ac on Wed, 2020-02-19 - 16:59

Hi there,In November I started having seizures and not realising they were seizures I went to the doctors and it is looking like temporal lobe epilepsy. I’d never heard of it and the symptoms are very odd as you know.Reading you article is strange for me as I’ve had irregular periods for 3 years now. I went from clockwork to having 3 periods in 3 years at the age of 26? Now reading your article I’m wondering if the two are related? I’ve had blood tests which didn’t show anything but then would they be looking at hormones for a generic blood test? I will mention it in my neurology appointment for sure!