Late period from Depakote...Normal?

Question

I'm 15 days late for my period. I tested last Thursday and it was negitive. This happened be4 but not THIS long! Last time my dr said it was normal to be late, but is this late normal?!?!? Also what causes it? Finally what kind of birth control could I take while on Depakote?

TIA!

I'm 15 days late for my period. I tested last Thursday and it was negitive. This happened be4 but not THIS long! Last time my dr said it was normal to be late, but is this late normal?!?!? Also what causes it? Finally what kind of birth control could I take while on Depakote?

I'm 25, on Depakote for BP2

Also Dr said birth control *pills* are no good. Depakote decreases the effectiveness

Answer 1

I don't know your age, but I would suggest you talk with your doc about this and raise the question of having your hormone levels checked. Depakote is notorious for causing hormonal imbalances resulting in menstrual changes and polycystic ovary syndrome in younger women, tho I believe taking an estrogen birth control pill can decrease the risks. here's the warning from the NIMH website:

"According to studies conducted in Finland in patients with epilepsy, valproate may increase testosterone levels in teenage girls and produce polycystic ovary syndrome in women who began taking the medication before age 20. Increased testosterone can lead to polycystic ovary syndrome with irregular or absent menses, obesity, and abnormal growth of hair. Therefore, young female patients taking valproate should be monitored carefully by a physician."