[Epilepsy and endocrine modifications]

From a few personal works and from a review of the literature, the authors discuss the current date of the endocrinological involvement of epileptic seizures, epileptic diseases, and anticonvulsants. Generalized epileptic seizures are followed by a constant, specific and significant rise of ACTH and Prolactin during the hour after the fit. That is a very good biological marker of the epileptic cause of a loss of consciousness. The duration and the repetition of the seizures involve the pituitary-gonadotropic+ axis that explains the anovulatory cycles and hypofertility in women, and the decrease of libido in men. Then, the anticonvulsants involve the hormonal balance, either by a direct action upon the hypothalamo-pituitary axis (ACTH, Prolactin) or by a direct action upon peripheral hormones (Testosterone, Thyroxine). These problems must be known for the follow-up of the epileptic patients, and for the interpretation of the hormonal dosage of these patients.