Antipsychotic-induced amenorrhea

Abstract

Background. Many antipsychotic drugs used to treat schizophrenia can cause amenorrhea in a significant proportion of women. The overall impact of this side effect has been little studied.

Aim. To review the literature on the meaning of menstruation to women.

Method. This is a literature review of the meanings of menstruation to women in general, to women of different cultures, and to women with schizophrenia.

Results. Many women feel ambivalent with respect to menstruation. Its loss can produce difficulties for women suffering from schizophrenia, such as failure to use contraception, pseudocyesis, denial of pregnancy, erroneous perception of early menopause, or loss of the feeling of femininity.

Conclusion. Attempts should be made to avoid the antipsychotic side effect of amenorrhea.

Keywords:

• Menstruation
• amenorrhea
• schizophrenia
• antipsychotic
• side effect

Declaration of interest: The author reports no conflicts of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of the paper.