Menstrual disturbance and galactorrhea in people taking conventional antipsychotic medications.

Abstract

Endocrine disturbances are emerging as major side effects of antipsychotic medications. Of particular note is the profile of menstrual disturbance and galactorrhea as a consequence of hyperprolactinemia (A. Weick & P. M. Haddad, 2003), a sequela of antidopaminergic action at the hypothalamopituitary axis. Research into the clinical aspects of this sensitive issue is sparse. The authors completed a cross-sectional descriptive study of 50 patients on conventional antipsychotic medications. The prevalence of menstrual disturbance was 54%, and the prevalence of amenorrhea was 12%. Symptoms of galactorrhea were present in 32% of patients. A history of pregnancy and childbirth was noted to be significantly associated with the development of galactorrhea (p = .01). The authors hypothesized that pregnancy and lactation might sensitize the hypothalamopituitary axis for further development of hyperprolactinemia due to medications.

• Authors: Karthik Thangavelu, S Geetanjali
• Journal: Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology (Exp Clin Psychopharmacol) Vol. 14 Issue 4 Pg. 459-60 (Nov 2006) ISSN: 1064-1297 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17115873 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antipsychotic Agents

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Amenorrhea (chemically induced)
• Antipsychotic Agents (adverse effects)
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Female
• Galactorrhea (chemically induced)
• Humans
• Menstrual Cycle (drug effects)
• Middle Aged
• Pregnancy