[Changes in cytohormonal cervical swabs in epileptic women]

In 16 women with epilepsy aged 18 to 38 years cytohormonal investigations were carried out during menstrual cycle. Swabs were obtained from the upper one-third of the vagina, fixed and stained by the method of Schorr. Oestrogen activity indices (PI, EI, MI) and progesterone activity indices (FI, CI) were calculated. With the exception of 2 cases in all patients the cycles were abnormal. In 1 cycle high values of oestrogen activity indices were found. In 13 patients (80%) monophasic, hypoestrogenic, cycles were observed without progesterone activity in the second phase of the cycle. The authors believe that very long anticonvulsant treatment as well as lower efficiency of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal system may reduce the level of steroid hormones produced by the ovaries which must, however, be confirmed by further clinical and experimental investigations.