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Acquired Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Epilepsy, Bipolar Disorder, and the Role of Anti-Epileptic Drugs

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Book cover Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Part of the book series: Contemporary Endocrinology ((COE))

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Summary

Neurologic and psychiatric disorders offer a unique opportunity to study the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) phenotype. Menstrual disorders are frequently associated with the presentation of epilepsy and bipolar disorder, and common factors and pathways may be involved. Some treatments of these conditions, for instance valproate, are thought to bring out stigmata of PCOS in susceptible individuals. The prevalence of PCOS appears higher in women with epilepsy and bipolar disorder. In addition, studies suggest that anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), particularly valproate, may heighten a woman’s risk for developing PCOS, especially with concomitant weight gain. Preliminary evidence suggests that oral contraceptives may be protective in certain instances. Further prospective studies are needed to better quantify the effects of treatment as well as the underlying disorder itself on development of the PCOS phenotype.

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Authors
  1. Richard S. Legro MD
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  2. Elizabeth A. Winans PHARMD, BCPP
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL

    Andrea Dunaif MD

  2. Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA

    R. Jeffrey Chang MD

  3. Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK

    Stephen Franks MD, FMEDSCI

  4. Department of Ob/Gyn, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA

    Richard S. Legro MD

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© 2008 Humana Press

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Legro, R.S., Winans, E.A. (2008). Acquired Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. In: Dunaif, A., Chang, R.J., Franks, S., Legro, R.S. (eds) Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Contemporary Endocrinology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-108-6_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-108-6_9

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-831-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59745-108-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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