---
title: Is depression linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause?
description: Yes. Depression tied to hormonal changes appears in the same women across three life stages (premenstrual, after birth, and menopause). Transdermal estrogen p
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/reproductive-depression-2012/
---

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- Is depression linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause?

Review, 2012

# Is depression linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause?

Yes. Depression tied to hormonal changes appears in the same women across three life stages (premenstrual, after birth, and menopause). Transdermal estrogen patches may be more effective as first-line treatment than antidepressants.

 Moderate study design

Literature review (no study population)

## What they did

Literature review synthesizing research on depression related to hormonal changes in three contexts: premenstrual syndrome and PMDD, postnatal depression, and menopausal depression. The review discusses treatment options including estrogen and antidepressants.

## What they found

The same vulnerable women tend to experience depression across all three hormone-related stages. Transdermal estrogen is presented as effective treatment, often better than antidepressants alone. Estrogen can be combined with antidepressants. Some women are intolerant of progestogens and need lower doses or shorter durations, or may need a Mirena IUS.

## What it means for you

If a woman experiences premenstrual depression or PMDD, her doctor might watch for depression during pregnancy and after birth, and during menopause. This is a review of existing research and treatment practices, not a new clinical study, so it summarizes current knowledge but does not present new data.

## About the study

Original title Reproductive depression Authors Studd J, Nappi RE Journal Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology Year 2012 Study design Review What was tested Transdermal estrogen, antidepressants, testosterone, progestogens Read the paper [doi.org/10.3109/09513590.2012.651932](https://doi.org/10.3109/09513590.2012.651932)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Reproductive hormone sensitivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-hormone-sensitivity/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[GnRH agonists and ovarian suppression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-gnrh/)[Surgical menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-surgery/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Perimenopause and menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-perimenopause/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Non-randomised trial, 2014

Does hormone therapy help women with depression linked to periods and menopause?

Randomised trial, 2001

Do changing reproductive hormones disrupt the body's internal clock and cause mood disorders?

Systematic review, 2026

Why do some women experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle?

Review, 2016

How do reproductive hormones affect mood and behavior in women?

Survey study, 2002

What treatments work for depression linked to the menstrual cycle and PMDD?

Case report, 2023

Can stopping ovulation help severe PMDD when other treatments do not work?

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