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Epilepsy Towards the Next Decade pp 201–211Cite as

Reproductive Hormones in Epilepsy Therapy: From Old Promises to New Hopes

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Part of the book series: Contemporary Clinical Neuroscience ((CCNE))

Abstract

A significant mutual interaction between sex hormones and the central nervous system has been reported by several studies in the past years.

This paper aims to discuss the genomic and electrophysiological effects of androgens, estrogens and progestogens on neurons, their influence on seizure frequency and antiepileptic drugs metabolism, and, conversely, the hormonal changes and reproductive dysfunction in patients with epilepsy.

In conclusion, the correlations between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), reduced effectiveness of contraceptives and antiepileptic drugs have also been mentioned.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy

    Alberto Verrotti

  2. Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy

    Giovanni Prezioso & Claudia D’Egidio

  3. Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, S. Anna Hospital, Como, Italy

    Vincenzo Belcastro

Authors
  1. Alberto Verrotti
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  2. Giovanni Prezioso
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  3. Claudia D’Egidio
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  4. Vincenzo Belcastro
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alberto Verrotti .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. DINOGMI, University of Genoa, Genova, Genova, Italy

    Pasquale Striano

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Verrotti, A., Prezioso, G., D’Egidio, C., Belcastro, V. (2015). Reproductive Hormones in Epilepsy Therapy: From Old Promises to New Hopes. In: Striano, P. (eds) Epilepsy Towards the Next Decade. Contemporary Clinical Neuroscience. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-12283-0_11

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