---
title: Do schizophrenia symptoms get worse before menstruation? | Niyora
description: Many women with schizophrenia do experience worse symptoms before their period, but no treatment studies have been done so doctors must decide case-by-case ho
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/menstrual-exacerbation-of-schizophrenia-symptoms-2012/
---

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- Do schizophrenia symptoms get worse before menstruation?

Non-randomised trial, 2012

# Do schizophrenia symptoms get worse before menstruation?

Many women with schizophrenia do experience worse symptoms before their period, but no treatment studies have been done so doctors must decide case-by-case how to help.

 Early or limited evidence

Literature review of women with schizophrenia of reproductive age

## What they did

A review of published studies. Researchers searched the medical literature for articles about schizophrenia, psychosis, menstrual changes, and hormones.

## What they found

Premenstrual worsening of schizophrenia symptoms is common and distinct from a rare condition called menstrual psychosis. It is unclear whether low estrogen or PMDD causes the worsening. No studies have tested specific treatments.

## What it means for you

Doctors should be aware that some women with schizophrenia may have worse psychiatric symptoms before their period and treatment needs to be adjusted for each woman individually. However, this is a review of other studies, not new research, and no treatment approaches have been tested.

0

treatment trials conducted

## About the study

Original title Menstrual exacerbation of schizophrenia symptoms Authors Seeman MV Journal Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica Year 2012 Study design Non-randomised trial What was tested None (literature review only) Read the paper [doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.2011.01822.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.2011.01822.x)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Premenstrual exacerbation (PME)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pme/)[Menstrual psychosis](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-menstrual-psychosis/)[Schizophrenia and psychosis](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-psychosis/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Review, 2024

What is premenstrual exacerbation and how does it affect different psychiatric illnesses?

Study, 2026

Do anxiety and depression get worse before your period if you already have a mental health condition?

Survey study, 2026

What is the true rate of PMDD, and does it worsen mental health conditions?

Review, 2002

What are the reproductive-related mood disorders and how are they connected?

Review, 2025

How does the menstrual cycle affect psychiatric symptoms like depression and anxiety?

Case report, 2018

Does dienogest help premenstrual mood changes in someone with schizophrenia?

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