Menopause in women with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder

Abstract

The transition to menopause, usually occurring between the ages of 40 and 55, is a time when women are particularly vulnerable. When preexisting mental illness is present, symptoms are often amplified during this period. Moreover, women with mental illnesses experience menopausal symptoms similarly to healthy women. In this narrative review we summarize the current data regarding menopause in women with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder, as well as current standards of management and care. The management of chronic disease in women suffering from severe mental illness is also considered.

Keywords: Bipolar disease; Estradiol replacement therapy; Hormonal replacement therapy; Menopausal transition; Menopause; Schizoaffective disorder; Schizophrenia; Severe mental illness; Vasomotor symptoms.