Epilepsy and sexual development in adolescents

Abstract

The effects of epilepsies and of antiepileptic drugs on the sexual development of adolescents have been poorly studied. Epilepsy may by itself alter the rhythms of secretion of the hypothalamichypophyseal axis, thus contributing to alter pubertal evolution. Antiepileptic drugs may affect height in both women and men, and produce changes in testicular size and penile length. Adolescent epileptic women are at risk to develop polycystic ovary syndrome and catamenial epilepsy. Fertility and sexual performance may be affected in men. Further studies on this subject are required including those focused on the new antiepileptic drugs.