---
title: Does estrogen level affect schizophrenia symptom severity during the menstrual cycle?
description: Yes, significantly. Women with schizophrenia had less severe symptoms when estrogen was higher during their menstrual cycle (p < 0.001). This is based on a sm
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/is-there-a-relationship-between-estrogen-serum-level-and-symptom-severity-2005/
---

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- Does estrogen level affect schizophrenia symptom severity during the menstrual cycle?

Survey study, 2005

# Does estrogen level affect schizophrenia symptom severity during the menstrual cycle?

Yes, significantly. Women with schizophrenia had less severe symptoms when estrogen was higher during their menstrual cycle (p < 0.001). This is based on a small study.

 Early or limited evidence

30 women with chronic schizophrenia, aged 20-40 years, receiving inpatient care and taking risperidone

## What they did

Cross-sectional study of 30 women with chronic schizophrenia taking risperidone 6mg daily. They measured hormone levels and symptoms on four specific days of the menstrual cycle: day 3 (low hormones), day 10 (rising estrogen), day 13 (peak estrogen), and day 21 (high progesterone). Symptoms were rated using the PANSS scale.

## What they found

Estrogen and progesterone levels changed significantly across the cycle (p < 0.001). Schizophrenia symptom scores on the PANSS scale significantly decreased from day 3 to days 10 and 13, when estrogen levels were higher. This improvement was seen in total scores and all subscales measuring positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and general psychopathology.

## What it means for you

Higher estrogen levels may reduce schizophrenia symptoms. However, this is a very small study (30 women) that only shows correlation, not causation. The authors note that more systematic research is needed to understand how estrogen affects schizophrenia.

30

Women in study

p < 0.001

Statistical significance of symptom improvement

4 days

Number of assessment points per cycle

## About the study

Original title Is there a relationship between estrogen serum level and symptom severity throughout the menstrual cycle of patients with schizophrenia? Authors Shahin Akhondzadeh, Kamran Mokhberi, Homayoun Amini‎ et al. Journal Therapy Year 2005 Study design Survey study Participants 30 What was tested Measurement of hormone levels and symptom severity at four different phases of the menstrual cycle Read the paper [doi.org/10.1586/14750708.2.5.745](https://doi.org/10.1586/14750708.2.5.745)

## Topics

[Schizophrenia and psychosis](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-psychosis/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)

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