Reproductive endocrine function in women with epilepsy: the role of epilepsy type and medication

The purpose of the analysis described here was to assess reproductive endocrine disorders in 148 women with epilepsy (WWE) by epilepsy type and antiepileptic drug use. Women with idiopathic generalized epilepsy had a higher prevalence of reproductive endocrine disorders than control subjects. In addition, hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovaries, and polycystic ovary syndrome were more prevalent in WWE on valproate than in WWE taking other drugs or control women. The use of VPA was a predictor of the development of polycystic ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome, and the use of valproate and younger age predicted the development of hyperandrogenism. In conclusion, both idiopathic generalized epilepsy and valproate were associated with an increased risk of reproductive endocrine disorders in WWE in this post hoc reanalysis of data on a large number of WWE. This was especially evident if the epilepsy was active and required treatment early in life.