Health Information
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
What Increases Your Risk
The main risk factor for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a family history of it. Your chance of having it is higher if other women in your family have it or have irregular periods or diabetes. PCOS can be passed down from either your mother's or father's side.
A family history of diabetes may increase your risk for PCOS because of the strong relationship between diabetes and PCOS.
Long-term use of the seizure medicine valproate (such as Depakote) has been linked to an increased risk of PCOS.Reference 1
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference February 7, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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