Hormonal Side Effects in Women: Typical Versus Atypical Antipsychotic Treatment

Neuroleptic-induced hyperprolactinemia can cause menstrual disorders, impaired fertility, galactorrhea,and sexual dysfunction, as well as hypoestrogenism secondary to disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. The development of the prolactin-sparing atypical antipsychotic drugs offersprevention and resolution of these adverse reactions. Thus far, this property of the newmedications has received insufficient clinical attention. The authors use case vignettes to discuss assessmentand management of clinical situations that arise as a result of antipsychotic-induced endocrinechanges.