Reproductive Health Among Those with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: An Overview of Considerations Related to the Premenopausal Period, Pregnancy and Postpartum, and the Menopausal Transition, with a Focus on Recent Findings.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) impact many aspects of reproductive health for women and non-binary and transgender individuals assigned female at birth. In this narrative review, we highlight considerations and recent research related to (1) the premenopausal period, (2) pregnancy and postpartum, and (3) the menopausal transition.

Recent findings: Most recent research has focused on pregnancy and the postpartum period, and specifically on elucidating perinatal risk factors, adverse obstetrical and neonatal outcomes (and modifiable contributors such as smoking), long-term child health, and psychotropic medications (with reassuring results related antipsychotic-associated gestational diabetes mellitus and neurodevelopmental outcomes). Much less recent focus has been on menstruation and menopause, although some research has highlighted the relative worsening of illness peri-menstrually and peri-menopausally. Despite the many important reproductive considerations for those with SSD, many aspects including menstruation and menopause have received very little attention. Further research is needed on how to best support women, non-binary, and transgender people assigned female at birth with SSD throughout the lifespan.