Polycystic ovary syndrome

Last Updated:

3 Aug 2009

Review Due Date:

3 Feb 2010

Some women have menstrual disturbances that are due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). If you have this syndrome, you have lots of small cysts on your ovaries, unusual hormone balances in your body, and you may not ovulate (release an egg) every month. This means that you do not have regular periods, and you have a lower chance of getting pregnant than a woman who does not have the syndrome. Sometimes PCOS is associated with weight gain, excess body hair and acne.

PCOS can affect any woman, but there is some evidence to suggest that it is more common in women who have temporal lobe epilepsy. It can also be more common in women who take the anti-epileptic drug sodium valproate (Epilim). The risk of developing PCOS increases when sodium valproate is taken from a young age. If PCOS is related to sodium valproate, it is thought that PCOS goes away when you stop taking this drug.

If you have epilepsy and are concerned about PCOS, it would be advisable to seek advice from your doctor. They can look into the possible causes and suggest treatments that may help you to have a more regular menstrual cycle. You may be advised to take oral contraceptive pills for a period of time before you try to get pregnant, as this may reduce the effects of PCOS and therefore increase your chances of getting pregnant.