Evaluation of reproductive function in women treated for bipolar disorder compared to healthy controls.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the reproductive function of women with bipolar disorder (BD) compared to healthy controls.


METHODS
Women diagnosed with BD and healthy controls with no psychiatric history, aged 18-45 years, were recruited from a university clinic and surrounding community. Participants completed a baseline reproductive health questionnaire, serum hormone assessment, and ovulation tracking for three consecutive cycles using urine luteinizing hormone (LH)-detecting strips with a confirmatory luteal-phase serum progesterone.


RESULTS
Women with BD (n = 103) did not differ from controls (n = 36) in demographics, rates of menstrual abnormalities (MAs), or number of ovulation-positive cycles. Of the women with BD, 17% reported a current MA and 39% reported a past MA. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels were higher in controls (p = 0.052 and 0.004, respectively), but there were no other differences in biochemical levels. Medication type, dose, or duration was not associated with MA or biochemical markers, although those currently taking an atypical antipsychotic agent indicated a greater rate of current or past MA (80% versus 55%, p = 0.013). In women with BD, 22% reported a period of amenorrhea associated with exercising or stress, versus 8% of controls (p = 0.064). Self-reported rates of bulimia and anorexia nervosa were 10% and 5%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Rates of MA and biochemical levels did not significantly differ between women with BD and controls. Current atypical antipsychotic agent use was associated with a higher rate of current or past MA and should be further investigated. The incidence of stress-induced amenorrhea should be further investigated in this population, as should the comorbid incidence of eating disorders.
['Reynolds-May|Margaret F|MF|', 'Kenna|Heather A|HA|', 'Marsh|Wendy|W|', 'Stemmle|Pascale G|PG|', 'Wang|Po|P|', 'Ketter|Terence A|TA|', 'Rasgon|Natalie L|NL|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D014150:Antipsychotic Agents D001714:Bipolar Disorder D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008599:Menstruation Disturbances D008875:Middle Aged D055703:Reproductive Physiological Phenomena D014635:Valproic Acid D055815:Young Adult
reproductive function women bipolar disorder hormones menstrual abnormalities eating disorder polycystic ovary syndrome