Acute psychotic episodes as well as psychotic relapses are
treated effectively with antipsychotic drugs. Most patients
with confirmed diagnoses of psychiatric disorders need to
undergo antipsychotic drug therapy throughout their whole
lives [1, 2]. Typical antipsychotic medications and some of the
novel antipsychotics frequently cause an elevation of plasma
prolactin levels.Among the several side reactions relatedwith
hyperprolactinaemia, are menstrual disorders such as amenorrhea
or oligomenorrhea which have not been adequately
evaluated.Menstrual dysfunction can be an important source
of distress for women, as it influences their libido and
fertility [1] and, thus, interferes with their quality of life, a
consequence that should be taken into account by clinicians
when antipsychotic treatment for each woman is chosen.
This reviewaims to summarize the effects of antipsychotic
agents on prolactin levels and menstruation and investigate
the frequency of hyperprolactinaemia and menstrual abnormalities
that affect female patients, depending on the selected
antipsychotic therapy. It also indicates the need for further
research on these adverse effects, the severity of which is not
always reported in a clinically meaningful way to experts.