The relationship between antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia and menstrual disorders in women with schizophrenia; a systematic review

Menstrual disorders are common among women with schizophrenia, particularly when they are being treated with antipsychotics. The occurrence of menstrual disorders is often attributed to the use of prolactin-elevating antipsychotics, although menstrual disorders also occur in patients not using antipsychotics. Therefore we need to find out whether menstrual disorders in schizophrenia are drug-related or whether they have some other connection with schizophrenia. To identify and discuss studies that investigate the relationship between antipsychotics-induced hyperprolactinemia and menstrual disorders in women with schizophrenia. We reviewed the literature systematically using PubMed, Psyc, info and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Very few studies have investigated the connection between antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia and menstrual disorders and most have serious methodological limitations. Only one study was able to demonstrate such a connection. On the basis of current research no firm conclusions can be drawn about the relationship between the increased frequency of menstrual disorders in women with schizophrenia and elevated prolactin levels resulting from the use of antipsychotics.