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Review
. 2023 Dec 6;24(2):79-83.
doi: 10.1177/15357597231213248. eCollection 2024 Mar-Apr.

Epilepsy and Anti-Seizure Medications: Secret Agents for Endocrine Disruption

Mona Sazgar  1 , Lilit Mnatsakanyan  1 , Alison M Pack  2 , Cynthia L Harden  3
Affiliations
Review

Epilepsy and Anti-Seizure Medications: Secret Agents for Endocrine Disruption

Mona Sazgar et al. Epilepsy Curr. .

Abstract

There is a reciprocal relationship between epilepsy and reproductive endocrine disorders. Seizures and anti-seizure medications (ASMs) can contribute to reproductive and endocrine dysfunction and reproductive dysfunction may exacerbate seizures. Epilepsy via neuroendocrine mechanisms affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, disrupting the regulation of gonadotropin secretion, and resulting in dystrophic effects on the ovaries and early menopause. Anti-seizure medications have endocrine-related side effects on sexual function and bone health. Long-term use of ASMs may result in menstrual irregularities, sexual dysfunction, anovulatory cycles, polycystic ovaries, and reduced fertility. Some ASMs also interfere with bone metabolism. Epilepsy patients treated with ASMs are at risk for bone loss and fractures. This article explores the endocrine and hormonal effects of seizures and ASMs.

Keywords: ASM; PCOS; bone health; catamenial epilepsy; endocrine disruption; epilepsy; menopause; menstrual irregularities; reproductive disorder; sexual dysfunction.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

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