How Menopausal Hormone Therapy Helps Prevent Psychosis in Women With Schizophrenia

What is it about?

This study looked at whether Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) can help prevent mental health relapses in women with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (SSD) as they approach menopause. Women in this age group often see a decrease in how well their usual medications work, and to date, it is unclear if MHT can make a difference. In total, 3,400 Finnish women aged 40-62 were who were using MHT between 1994 and 2017 were followed. We found that the use of MHT was associated with a 16% lower risk of relapse. MHT seemed most helpful between the age of 40 and 55, losing its effectiveness when used between ages 56 and 62. Different forms of MHT, like estrogen alone or combined with other hormones, showed similar positive results. However, two specific types, tibolone and treatments using dydrogesterone, did not show the same benefits. In conclusion, MHT may be helpful for women with schizophrenia during menopause, particularly when their regular medications are not as effective. This suggests that hormones like estrogen might have a protective effect on the brain, offering new hope for managing schizophrenia in this group.

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Why is it important?

This research could lead to more effective and targeted treatments for women with schizophrenia, improving their long-term health outcomes.