Q. Do mental disorders and hormonal disorder have a link? I noticed that some bipolar and schizophrenic girls have facial hair.
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Yes, there is a clear link between mental disorders and hormonal disorders. Many people with mental health issues have been found to have an imbalance of hormones in the body, which can lead to physical symptoms such as facial hair growth.
In particular, bipolar disorder has been linked to dysregulated hormones in some cases. Studies by the U.S National Library of Medicine suggest that bipolar disorder may be associated with abnormal levels of cortisol—a hormone released during times of stress—and testosterone (which is responsible for hair growth). Imbalance of these two hormones could contribute to facial hair growth in those who suffer from this condition.
Another example involves schizophrenia and prolactin, a hormone that stimulates milk production and sometimes appears elevated in people with schizophrenia. An increase in this hormone can contribute to increased body and facial hair growth due to its influence on testosterone levels. In fact, some studies have found that antipsychotic medication used commonly for treatment can also result in higher amounts of prolactin and thereby lead to excessive body/facial hair growth as well endocrine disruption related weight gain or diabetes insipidus among others side effects (1).
Overall, it’s important to remember that imbalances of hormones are just one symptom associated with various mental illnesses like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia; they do not solely cause these conditions nor are they their only expression. It’s essential for those living with these diagnoses receive appropriate medical care from healthcare professionals who understand both the physical and psychological aspects involved – as this will go a long way towards helping them manage their condition most effectively over time!