Abstract
OBJECTIVE: to review and summarise the currently known relations between epilepsy treated with valproic acid and polycystic ovary syndrome.
DEVELOPMENT: a review of published reports was done in order to understand the explanations for endocrine disorders related to epilepsy or antiepileptic drugs. Particular attention should be paid to obese patients on valproate or those experiencing significant weight gain. Single abnormal laboratory or imaging findings without symptoms may not constitute a clinically relevant endocrine disorder.
CONCLUSIONS: if a patient with polycystic ovary syndrome is found, antiepileptic drug treatment should be reviewed to ensure that is is correct for the particular seizure type and that it is not contributing to the endocrine problem. The possible benefit of a change in treatment must be balanced against efficacy in terms of seizure control and the side effect of alternative agents.
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