title: The relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome and antiepileptic drugs: a review of the evidence.
abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a serious endocrine disorder characterized by ovulatory dysfunction and hyperandrogenism that is thought to have a higher prevalence in women with epilepsy and perhaps bipolar disorder. Various theories have been offered to explain this higher prevalence of PCOS and other reproductive disorders in these patient populations, including the effects of the disease itself and of antiepileptic drugs, especially valproate, which may directly cause PCOS or indirectly lead to the disorder by causing weight gain that triggers insulin resistance, increased testosterone levels, and other reproductive abnormalities. A prospective, longitudinal study with larger cohorts in newly diagnosed women with epilepsy or bipolar disorder is needed to definitively characterize the relationship between antiepileptic drugs and PCOS. Until data from such a study are available, physicians need to be aware that there is a possibility of developing symptoms of PCOS in women of reproductive age who are treated with antiepileptic drugs. Despite this concern, the choice of antiepileptic drug for women with epilepsy or bipolar disorder should be based on the most effective agent for controlling neurologic symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Stanford School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Road, Room 2360, Palo Alto, CA 94305-5723, USA. nrasgon@stanford.edu
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rasgon
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants