title: 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.affiliation: Queens Medical Centre University Hospital, Nottingham, UK. mcxkt1@nottingham.ac.uk
authors.forename: Karthik
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Thangavelu
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Geetanjali
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000139:chemically induced; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005687:Galactorrhea / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000187:drug effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents