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.
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
Topics
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