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PCOS and Valproate
Wed, 07/31/2019 - 22:34Topic: Medication Issues
I have JME and started getting amenorrhea when I dropped my birth control pill shortly after I started my Valproic acid. I went back on, but was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries, cystic acne, etc., which I had never had before. From the literature, it seems as though the incidence of PCOS in those taking Valproate is higher. Has anyone experienced this, and if so, was anything effective in remedying the side effects (birth controls high in estrogen or progestin)?
Hi abbygee, Thanks so much
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2019-08-01 - 08:09
Hi abbygee, Thanks so much for posting. We cannot determine if taking Valproic acid is related to PCOS or not. It’s important that you follow-up with your healthcare team to express your concerns and discuss any changes in side effects, seizure types, frequency, behaviors and symptoms, to determine what individual treatment is best for you. https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/pg2L_HealthCareVisits_09-2018.pdf . Our checklist for women with epilepsy maybe helpful for you to review with your doctor, here: https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/105CWE_ChecklistWomen_06-2019.pdf For more information about Valproic acid and side effects, visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/medications/valproic-acidhttps://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-and-epilepsy-medicines/side-effectshttps://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-and-epilepsy-medicines/finding-best-dosage Learn more about women and epilepsy, please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/women https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/women/women-faq For additional information about hormones and contraceptives, visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/women/all-women/contraception https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/women/all-women/hormones-and-epilepsy Sometimes it's helpful to connect with other people who live with epilepsy, to ask questions, share experiences, find& give support to each other, by contacting your local Epilepsy Foundation at: : https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliates to find support groups, events, and programs in your community. Additionally our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline:1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org, can assist in connecting you to resources, provide referrals and additional support. epilepsy.com/helpline