Oestrogens may be a protective factor in psychosis. Women with schizophrenia have a later age of menarche, fewer pregnancies and earlier age of menopause. However, little information is available focusing on delusional disorder (DD).

To evaluate gynaecological variables and psychopathology in women with DD.

To investigate the relationship between age of menarche and onset, and psychopathology in DD.

Forty-five outpatients with DD (DSM-IV-TR) were recruited at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, from 2008 to 2012. Twenty-five females underwent a demographic and gynaecological questionnaire. HRSD-17 for depression, PANSS for psychopathology, PSP for functionality and C-SSRS for suicide were assessed. The sample was divided into two groups according to the age of menarche: 12 years or less and more than 12.

Mean age of menarche (SD) was 12.6(1.4) years, mean age of menopause 49.1(3.15), mean age at onset of DD was 49.9(12.58). 33.3% of the sample did not receive gynaecological service in the last 3 years. The group with the earliest age of menarche was older [67.33(11.67) vs.56(9.6); p=0.026], presented an earlier age of menopause [46.80(2.84) vs.50.71(2.29) p=0.018] and latest onset of DD (53.50(14.32) vs.47.44(11.5); p=NS], than those with later age of menarche. No differences were found regarding psychopathology, suicidal behaviour or functionality.

Although a small sample size, this is the first study to specifically examine gynaecological variables in DD. A low compliance rate in gynaecological service use was found. An earlier age of menarche was associated to an earlier age of onset of DD.