B a c k g r o u n d : An increased frequency of reproductive endocrine disorders and polycystic ovary(PCO) has beenreported in women with epilepsy. A possible role of the seizure disorder or, of the use of antiepileptic drugs(AEDs) hasbeen suggested as the pathogenic mechanism. The objective of the present study was to assess the prevalence of reproductiveendocrine disorders, such as PCO or menstrual abnormalities, in a series of women with epilepsy, examiningthe possible relationships of these disturbances with different epilepsy syndromes and AED treatment.Methods : Thirty epileptic women, all of reproductive age and none pubertal, pregnant, or lactating, were evaluatedby clinical endocrinological assessment, and pelvic ultrasonography. Seven patients were on valproic acid(VPA), nineteenon carbamazepine(CBZ), and four on diphenylhydantoin(DPH) treatment, respectively.Results : Menstrual irregularity was observed in 8 women(26.7%), dysmenorrhea in 7(23.3%), and premenstrual syndromein 1(3.3%). Ultrasonographic examination revealed that one women(3.3%) showed polycystic ovary, 4(13.3%)had ovarian cyst(s), and 2(6.7%) had uterine myoma, respectively. There was no difference in the prevalence of menstrualabnormalities or polycystic ovary according to the different preparations of AEDs.Conclusions : Data from this investigation suggest that, in Korean reproductive age women, the treatment of AEDsand the kind of medication may not have a significant effect on the prevalence of menstrual abnormalities or ultrasonographicpolycystic ovary.
