The reproductive conditions and lipid profile in females with epilepsy

Abstract

This is the first study in our country that aimed at evaluation of reproductive conditions in women with epilepsy. This study indicates that reproductive dysfunction is common, hence, characterization of seizure-associated neuroendocrine adverse effects is important while managing women particularly during choice of antiepileptic medications as initial step and during patients' follow-up.

Neuroendocrine Hormonal Conditions in Epilepsy

“…PCOs and hyperinsulinism have been described in adult women on VPA. 93 Menstrual disorders also seem to be common in females with epilepsy taking VPA, 12,111,149 which is especially evident if the epilepsy is active and required treatment early in life. 150 The association of VPA with PCOs or hyperandrogenaemia was supported by a multicenter study including women from Finland, Norway, and Netherlands in which menstrual disturbances such as amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, PCOs and elevated serum testosterone were present in 45%, 43% and 17% of women using VPA monotherapy.…”

“…110 Isolated component of PCOS such as PCOs, hyperandrogenemia, hypothalamic amenorrhea, and functional hyperprolactinaemia are not uncommon among females with epilepsy. 12,111 …”

“…Hyperandrogenemia, polycystic ovaries (PCOs), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothalamic amenorrhea, premature menopause, hyperprolactinemia, high levels of LH and altered ratio between LH-to-FSH, have been reported in women with epilepsy. 12,15,85,103 Epilepsy itself may affect reproductive endocrine function. The presence of increased LH pulse frequency in untreated or drug-free epileptic women with regular menstrual cycles supports the notion that epilepsy itself may contribute for reproductive abnormalities.…”

Hormon- und Sexualstörungen bei Epilepsie

“…Hospital- [2,7,9] und Community- [10] basierte Studienkonntenzeigen,dassStö-rungen der Menstruation bei Frauen mit Epilepsie häufiger sind als in der Allgemeinbevölkerung.…”

Long-Term Effects of Valproic Acid on Reproductive Endocrine Functions in Turkish Women with Epilepsy

“…Not only PCOS, but also isolated components of this syndrome -polycystic ovaries (PCO), clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism and menstrual irregularities and also premature menopause -are overrepresented in WWE when compared to the general population [2][3][4] . Epilepsy is a neurological disorder with a cumulative incidence of 1-4% and is defined by two or more unprovoked seizures [5] . The percentage of WWE with abnormal menstrual cycle length is reported to be 1 30% and approximately 30% of these menstrual cycles are known to be anovulatory.…”