Hormonal side effects in women: Typical versus atypical antipsychotic treatment

Neuroleptic-induced hyperprolactinemia can cause menstrual disorders, impai red fertility, galactorrhea , and sexual dysfunction, as well as hypoestrog enism secondary to disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. T he development of the prolactin-sparing atypical antipsychotic drugs offers prevention and resolution of these adverse reactions. Thus far, this prope rty of the new medications has received insufficient clinical attention. Th e authors use case vignettes to discuss assessment and management of clinic al situations that arise as a result of antipsychotic-induced endocrine cha nges.