Investigation of sex hormones in male epileptic patients.

Testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PRL) levels were obtained in 33 male epileptic patients and 11 age-matched normal controls. The patients had significantly higher mean levels of FSH, LH, and PRL; T was decreased but not significantly so. Patients who had reported difficulties with sexual arousal on the Bear-Fedio Inventory had significantly lower T levels than those who did not. Increased LH levels correlated with younger age at onset of epilepsy and longer history of tonic clonic seizures. Increased PRL levels were related to a positive family history of epilepsy and nonfocal tonic clonic seizures. Anticonvulsant levels were unrelated to hormonal changes except for carbamazepine which was positively correlated with PRL levels.