The influence of gonadal hormones on periodicity of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Objective: This paper reviews the evidence linking gonadal hormones and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms.

Method: Four case reports of the relationship between obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms and exogenous sex hormone changes are presented. These cases are reviewed within the context of other case reports and the literature on the relationship between serotonin, gonadal hormones and OCD.

Results: The authors suggest that there is a relationship between onset or exacerbation of OCD and changes in gonadal hormones.

Conclusion: Clinicians should carefully evaluate patients for exogenous and endogenous changes in gonadal hormones when evaluating onset or exacerbation of OCD.