[Epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs and disorders of reproductive functions of women].

Epilepsy is one of the commonest chronic neurological disorders in developing countries. The disease itself and applied antiepileptic drugs cause fertility problems. As a result of seizures changes in hypothalamic and pituitary hormone secretion occur, resulting in hyperprolactinemia, menstrual disorders, premature ovarian failure as well as occurrence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is the main problem in women with epilepsy caused by both the disease itself as well as treatment, mainly with valproic acid. Antiepileptic drugs exert an effect mainly on the level of active hormones, their synthesis in the ovaries and binding with sex hormone binding globulin. Due to impaired reproductive function, the probability of pregnancy in women with epilepsy is up to 2-fold lower than in healthy ones. It should be, however, consider that antiepileptic drugs cross the placenta, therefore it is very important to choose the appropriate treatment, not only to prevent epileptic seizures during pregnancy, but also not harmful to the developing fetus.