A recent study led by Jieyu Liu discovered a significant association between bipolar disorder (BD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), unraveling the complex interplay between mental health and endocrine disturbances. The findings were published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
With 72 drug-naïve BD patients, 98 healthy controls, and 72 BD patients on long-term medication, this study revealed that drug-naïve BD individuals exhibited a threefold higher prevalence of PCOS compared to their healthy counterparts, even after accounting for demographic factors (Odds Ratio: 3.02, 95% CI: 1.09–8.36).
The research delved into the impact of specific medications on PCOS within the BD population. Long-term treatment with valproate, a commonly prescribed mood stabilizer, was found to be a significant factor correlated with the increased occurrence and development of PCOS in BD patients (Odds Ratio: 3.89, 95% CI: 1.13–13.37).
The study also identified age and the insulin resistance index as additional factors influencing the prevalence of PCOS in BD patients, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of this association.
The findings underscore the importance of closely monitoring reproductive health, especially the incidence of PCOS, in individuals diagnosed with BD, particularly those prescribed valproate. The potential link between valproate use and PCOS raises critical questions about the long-term effects of commonly prescribed medications and necessitates a nuanced approach in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
This study also sparks discussions among healthcare professionals and researchers highlighting the need for comprehensive care for individuals with BD. Further investigations and heightened awareness are imperative to develop tailored treatment strategies and ensure the overall well-being of those managing both bipolar disorder and its associated health complications.
Reference:
Liu, J., Teng, Z., Xie, H., Yuan, H., Liu, M., Chen, J., Tang, H., Xiang, H., Wu, H., & Huang, J. (2023). Prevalence and characteristics of polycystic ovarian syndrome in patients with bipolar disorder. In Journal of Affective Disorders (Vol. 340, pp. 387–395). Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.007