THE INFLUENCE OF GONADAL-HORMONES ON PERIODICITY OF OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Objective: This paper reviews the evidence linking gonadal hormones an d obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. Method: Four case repo rts of the relationship between obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms and exogenous sex hormone changes are presented. These cases are revi ewed within the context of other case reports and the literature on th e relationship between serotonin, gonadal hormones and OCD. Results: T he authors suggest that there is a relationship between onset or exace rbation of OCD and changes in gonadal hormones. Conclusion: Clinicians should carefully evaluate patients for exogenous and endogenous chang es in gonadal hormones when evaluating onset or exacerbation of OCD.