Fibroids and Antipsychotics

Leiomyoma can lead to significant morbidity in reproductive-aged women, causing symptoms that range from bleeding and pain to infertility. Despite recent progress made regarding tumor mitogens and nonsurgical treatments, the exact pathogenesis of fibroids remains unknown. Prolactin has been implicated as a mitogen growth factor in leiomyoma. Antipsychotic medications, in lowering dopamine levels and thereby removing the inhibition of prolactin secretion, can increase serum prolactin levels. Given this relationship, it stands to reason that antipsychotics may have a deleterious effect on myometrial smooth muscle cells.
Source: Psychosomatics - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Source Type: research