Reproductive endocrine disorders in men with partial seizures of temporal lobe origin

Arch Neurol. 1986 Apr;43(4):347-50. doi: 10.1001/archneur.1986.00520040035015.

Abstract

Twenty consecutive men with partial seizures of temporal lobe origin were evaluated for sexual or reproductive dysfunction. Eleven (55%) had diminished sexual interest or reduced potency. Nine of them had reproductive endocrine disorders, with features of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in five, hyperprolactinemia in two, and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism in two. Among these nine were cases in which the reproductive endocrine abnormalities could not readily be attributed to antiseizure medication use. Other possible interpretations are as follows: epileptic discharges in medial temporal lobe structures may disrupt hypothalamic regulation of pituitary secretion, hypogonadism may promote the development of epileptic discharges, and temporal lobe epilepsy and associated reproductive endocrine disorders may represent the parallel effects of prenatal factors common to the development of both the brain and the reproductive system.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Endocrine System Diseases / blood
  • Endocrine System Diseases / complications*
  • Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / blood
  • Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / complications*
  • Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / drug therapy
  • Erectile Dysfunction / complications
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / blood
  • Humans
  • Hyperprolactinemia / complications
  • Hypogonadism / blood
  • Hypogonadism / complications
  • Luteinizing Hormone / blood
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phenytoin / therapeutic use
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / blood
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / complications
  • Testosterone / blood

Substances

  • Testosterone
  • Phenytoin
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone