Sodium Valproate effect in occurrence of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Administration of sodium valproate for treatment of psycho-neurological disorders has increased considerably. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is indicated as one of the side effects of long-term administration of sodium valproate. Therefore, more detailed studies are needed for assessment of the side effects of sodium valporate. Forty patients were randomly selected from the patients who referred to neurology and psychiatric clinics, sodium valproate prescribed for them. In all patients, FSH, LH and testosterone levels as well as ovarian size, BMI and the symptoms of hirsutism and menstruation irregularities were evaluated prior to and six months after treatment with sodium valporate. Mean level of BMI, LH, FSH and LH/FSH ratio was significantly increased following sodium valporate administration, compared to their levels prior to the treatment. No such effect was observed about the mean level of testosterone before and after the treatment. One of the patients showed the signs of PCOS, which they were ceased following discontinuation of the drug. The current results show that the administration of sodium valproate could lead to polycystic ovarian syndrome in some patients.