ABSTRACT
Epilepsy is equally prevalent in men and women. However, for women there are unique
concerns related to hormone effects on seizures and the effects of seizures and antiepileptic
drugs (AEDs) on reproductive health. Steroid hormones affect neuronal excitability
and seizure frequency. Some AEDs reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptive agents,
increasing the probability of unplanned pregnancies. AEDs affect bone density. AEDs
may alter reproductive hormones resulting in polycystic-appearing ovaries, anovulatory
cycles, and infertility. Seizure frequency may change during pregnancy, seizures may
cause pregnancy complications, some AEDs are teratogenic, and many cross into breast
milk. The treatment of a woman with epilepsy must consider all these issues.
KEYWORD
Steroid hormones - catamenial seizures - oral contraception - bone health - reproductive
health - pregnancy