Current view on epilepsy treatment in reproductive age women
https://doi.org/10.17749/2313-7347/ob.gyn.rep.2026.767
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases, so that women account for about 50% of patients. The effect of antiepileptic drugs on women's reproductive function is an important and relevant area of medical research. It is now known that many antiepileptic drugs can have significant effects on the reproductive system, affecting both hormone levels and fertility. These effects require careful consideration while choosing therapy for women of reproductive age, especially for those who plan pregnancy or face conception problems. Despite the proven effectiveness for the currently used drugs and their variability, one third of patients achieve no permanent remission of epilepsy. Knowing the pathogenesis underlying development of this disease, in real life, drugs should be used not so much to stop seizures but rather to prevent their emergence. This article examines the mechanisms of action for antiepileptic drugs, their potential impact on reproductive function, and issues related to the management of side effects in clinical practice as well as the individual selection of the most effective and safe therapy.
About the Authors
E. V. Sibirskaya
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation; Russian Children’s Clinical Hospital – Branch of Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation; Russian University of Medicine, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Elena V. Sibirskaya, MD, Dr Sci Med, Prof.
1 Ostrovityanova Str., Moscow 117513;
117 Leninsky Prospekt, Moscow 119571;
4 Dolgorukovskaya street, Moscow 127006
I. V. Karachentsova
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation; Russian Children’s Clinical Hospital – Branch of Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Irina V. Karachentsova, MD, PhD.
1 Ostrovityanova Str., Moscow 117513;
117 Leninsky Prospekt, Moscow 119571
A. A. Popov
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Arseniy A. Popov
1 Ostrovityanova Str., Moscow 117513
A. A. Popova
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Anna A. Popova
1 Ostrovityanova Str., Moscow 117513
K. K. Stepanishcheva
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Kristina K. Stepanishcheva
1 Ostrovityanova Str., Moscow 117513
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Sibirskaya E.V., Karachentsova I.V., Popov A.A., Popova A.A., Stepanishcheva K.K. Current view on epilepsy treatment in reproductive age women. Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.17749/2313-7347/ob.gyn.rep.2026.767
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