HORMONAL ABNORMALITIES OF HYPOTHALAMIC-PITUITARY-GONADAL AXIS IN WOMEN WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA (LITERATURE REVIEW)

The pathogenic theories of schizophrenia include the neuroendocrinological concept. There is mutual influence of neurotransmitter systems involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and hormones of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The purpose of this review is to analyze scientific evidence on the features of the hormonal abnormalities and their relation to clinical and psychopathological symptoms, treatment response, course, prognosis and quality of life in women with schizophrenia. The studies showed changes in the secretion of prolactin, gonadotropic and gonadal hormones. Methodological problems were found in the available studies; the data in many respects are inconsistent and should be clarified. The link between the hormonal changes and treatment response, course, prognosis, quality of life in women with the first episode of schizophrenia remains unexplored.