title: Neuroendocrine considerations in the treatment of men and women with epilepsy.
abstract: Complex, multidirectional interactions between hormones, seizures, and the medications used to control them can present a challenge for clinicians treating patients with epilepsy. Many hormones act as neurosteroids, modulating brain excitability via direct binding sites. Thus, changes in endogenous or exogenous hormone levels can affect the occurrence of seizures directly as well as indirectly through pharmacokinetic effects that alter the concentrations of antiepileptic drugs. The underlying structural and physiological brain abnormalities of epilepsy and the metabolic activity of antiepileptic drugs can adversely affect hypothalamic and gonadal functioning. Knowledge of these complex interactions has increased and can now be incorporated in meaningful treatment approaches for men and women with epilepsy.
authors.affiliation: Division of Epilepsy and Electroencephalography, Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine at Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA. charden@nshs.edu
authors.forename: Cynthia L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Harden
authors.forename: Page B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Pennell
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents