Are Women with PMDD at Increased Risk for Suicidality?
In a recent meta-analysis, Yan and colleagues looked at the prevalence of suicidal ideation among women diagnosed with PMDD.
Adjunctive Treatment with Medroxyprogesterone in Women with Acute Mania
Women with bipolar disorder often experience fluctuating mood symptoms across the menstrual cycle, typically reporting an exacerbation of symptoms during the premenstrual phase of the cycle (Rasgon et al, 2003, 2005). Other studies have indicated [...]
Metformin May Help to Treat Menstrual Irregularities in Women Treated with Antipsychotics
Menstrual irregularity is a common side effect of antipsychotic treatment in women, occurring more commonly in those treated with risperidone and the older antipsychotic medications. New research presented at the APA earlier this month indicated that the addition of metformin at 500 mg bid resolved menstrual irregularities in most women treated with antipsychotic medications. (Metformin is a medication used alone or with other medications, including insulin, to treat type 2 diabetes.) In addition, women receiving metformin lost an average 2.4 kg of weight after 6 months of treatment.
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding More Common in Midlife Women with Histories of Depression
Menstrual problems are common among premenopausal women and become more frequent with increasing reproductive age, especially just before and during perimenopause. In the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, a multisite study of menopause and aging, information regarding menstrual history was collected in a total of 934 premenopausal and early perimenopausal women between the ages of 42 and 52. History of major depression was associated with an increased likelihood of heavy bleeding (odds ratio, 1.89), adjusting for recent major depression, menopause status, and other confounding factors. History of depression was not associated with other abnormal bleeding or premenstrual symptoms. Future longitudinal studies are needed to explore why past depression increases the likelihood of subsequent heavy menstrual bleeding in midlife women. One possibility is that irregular fluctuations in estrogen levels may be responsible for both abnormal menstrual bleeding, as well as the dysregulation of neurotransmitter systems that mediate depressive symptoms.
Migraine Headaches Associated with the Menstrual Cycle
Up to 25% of women experience migraine headaches during their reproductive years; often migraine headaches may be triggered or exacerbated by hormonal changes. It has been estimated that 7-14% of women experience migraines only during the premenstrual or menstrual phase of their cycles. Another 52-70% experience headaches throughout the month but note increased headache activity before or during menses.