Effects of sodium valproate monotherapy on reproductive hormonal levels in adult male epileptic patients

Abstract

Aims: to assess the effects of valproate (VPA) on serum levels of testosterone, prolactin, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol ( E2) in adult male epileptic patients in comparison to healthy controls. Methods: This study was conducted from Oct. 2005 to Aug. 2006. Patients were received from specialist neurology Clinic. Out of 62 patients interviewed only 46 fulfilled the criteria of selection . Apparently healthy 50 subjects were also included in this study as a control group. Blood samples were taken from both patients and controls and assay of testosterone, prolactin ,FSH, LH and E2 were done using radioimmunoassay (RIA) technique. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using special equation. Results: There was a significantly higher testosterone levels in epileptic male patients on VPA therapy in comparison to healthy controls, with insignificant effect on the levels of prolactin, FSH, LH and E2. The duration of therapy and the dosage of VPA had no effect on the serum levels of the above measured parameters. Conclusion: VPA monotherapy might be associated with significant increase in serum testosterone level with insignificant effects on serum prolactin, FSH, LH and E2 in adult male epileptic patients and the duration of therapy and daily dose have no influence on such effect.