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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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
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