Survey study, 1995
Is premenstrual syndrome related to depression?
The evidence suggests yes. Women with PMS are more likely to have had depression, and antidepressants help both conditions.
What they did
Reviewed the diagnosis, frequency, cause, and treatment of PMS. Also examined the relationship between menopause and depression.
What they found
Several findings suggest PMS and depression are linked: women with PMS have higher rates of prior depression, they share similar brain chemistry problems, and they respond to the same antidepressants. The link between menopause and depression is not as clear, although women already at risk for depression may experience more symptoms during the menopause transition.
What it means for you
PMS and depression may be related through shared brain chemistry. However, this conclusion is based on a review of existing studies, not new research. Future studies should examine whether hormone treatments affect depression in menopausal women.
About the study
- Original title
- Hormones and depression: what are the facts about premenstrual syndrome, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy?
- Authors
- Pearlstein TB
- Journal
- American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
- Year
- 1995
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/0002-9378(95)90297-x
Topics
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