Menstrual Changes and Reversal of Amenorrhea Induced by Classic Psychedelics: A Case Series

ABSTRACT

There has been little research on the effects of psychedelics on menstrual and reproductive function, though anecdotal evidence suggests that these compounds may have striking effects on menstrual function in at least a subset of users. Social media and word of mouth were used to seek out individuals who had a history of changes in menstrual function following psychedelic use. Case histories were elicited from three respondents following informed consent. A literature search on the effects of classic psychedelics and related compounds was completed. Three women ranging from 27 to 34 years of age were interviewed and reported three distinct phenomena following the use of classic psychedelics: 1) resumption of menses following amenorrhea, 2) early onset of menses, in particular when psychedelics were used in the mid to late luteal period, and 3) improved menstrual regularity in a woman with irregular cycles who was eventually diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome. The mechanisms behind these effects remain unclear, though they may be mediated via direct or indirect effects of 5-HT_2A agonism on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Although phenomena related to menstrual and reproductive function have been largely overlooked in the psychedelic literature to date, these effects may have therapeutic utility and warrant further study.

KEYWORDS:

• psychedelics
• psilocybin
• LSD
• menstruation
• reproductive health
• serotonin
• psychoneuroendocrinology

Acknowledgements

We thank the respondents whose histories are reported here. We also wish to thank Lizzie P. for bringing this issue to the authors’ attention, and Erica Avey for her assistance in connecting the authors with individuals who were willing to discuss and share their experiences.

Disclosure statement

NG is a co-investigator in a study of psilocybin for major depressive disorder funded by the nonprofit organization Usona Institute.

Financial support

Efforts for NG were provided by support from Tim Ferriss, Matt Mullenweg, Craig Nerenberg, Blake Mycoskie, and the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Foundation. The funders had no role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. SKN received no financial support for contributions to this work.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the philanthropic contributions from Tim Ferriss, Matt Mullenweg, Craig Nerenberg, Blake Mycoskie, and the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Foundation [N/A].