Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in serum valproate (VPA) levels and their relationship to progesterone levels during the menstrual cycles of fertile women.

Materials and methods: Female patients compliant with VPA (n=14) were included in this study. Serum VPA and progesterone levels were measured during two periods, in which progesterone levels may be the lowest (early follicular phase) and the highest (mid luteal phase).

Results: Serum VPA levels were significantly different between the two periods. Serum progesterone levels increased in 64.3% of the sample during menstruation, revealed a noticeable but not significant mean increased. There was no correlation between serum valproate and progesterone levels (r=0.209, p>0.05) in the menstrual phase.

Conclusion: This study shows that serum VPA levels varied greatly during the menstrual cycles. The results of this study also implying that VPA levels may be relationship to sex steroid levels in menstrual cycle. Particularly in cyclic premenstrual exacerbation of affective symptoms, this interaction should be considered in the evaluation of treatment may be beneficial.

Keywords: Bipolar disorder; Valproate; Menstrual cycle