Case report, 2015
Do hormones from the menstrual cycle affect schizophrenia symptoms?
Yes. Women with schizophrenia often have worsening psychotic symptoms and depression or anxiety at certain times in their menstrual cycle. Doctors can manage this by adjusting medications.
What they did
This is a review of what experts know about the relationship between menstrual cycles and schizophrenia symptoms, with a case example included. It is not a study of new treatment.
What they found
Psychotic symptoms and depression often get worse during specific parts of the menstrual cycle in women with schizophrenia. Doctors can treat worsening symptoms by using antidepressants (SSRIs), increasing antipsychotic medication 3-5 days before menstruation, or using hormone therapy to manage menstrual cycle changes.
What it means for you
Women with schizophrenia should track how their symptoms change throughout their menstrual cycle and tell their doctor about patterns. Their doctor can then adjust treatment timing to help. The evidence comes from doctors' observations and case reports rather than large controlled studies.
3-5
Days before menstruation when medication adjusted
About the study
- Original title
- Menstrual Cycle in Schizophrenic Patients: Review with a Case
- Authors
- Sönmez İ, Köşger F
- Journal
- Noro psikiyatri arsivi
- Year
- 2015
- Study design
- Case report
- What was tested
- Antidepressants or antipsychotics adjusted 3-5 days before period, or hormone therapy
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.5152/npa.2015.7660
Topics
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