Polycystic Ovaries and Hyperandrogenism in Women Taking Valproate for Epilepsy

Reproductive endocrine disorders occur more frequently among women and men with epilepsy than among normal subjects 1 – 3 . In women these disorders have generally been attributed to the epilepsy itself, 2 , 3 rather than to any antiepileptic treatment. Both partial and generalized seizures, and perhaps interictal epileptic discharges as well, can increase the secretion of various pituitary hormones, such as gonadotropins and prolactin, 4 – 6 and alter, perhaps even permanently, the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis 2 , 3 . Antiepileptic-drug therapy is associated with changes in the serum concentrations of sex hormones. Antiepileptic medications that induce liver enzymes also increase the serum concentrations . . .