It has been demonstrated that epileptic patients receiving antiepileptics can show changes in serum hormone levels. We measured the levels of sex and thyroid hormones in 67 patients with epilepsy receiving valproic acid (VPA), carbamazepine (CBZ), and VPA+CBZ and in 25 healthy age-matched controls. In the patients receiving CBZ, levels of free thyroxine were significantly lower than in the control group, with sex hormone-binding globulin significantly higher. The endocrine effects of antiepileptic drugs should be considered when starting antiepileptic drug therapy and should be monitored closely.

Keywords: antiepileptikler, cinsiyet hormonları, tiroid hormonları, antiepileptics, sex hormones, thyroid hormones