Reproductive Aging, Sex Steroids, and Mood Disorders

Overview

Journal Harv Rev Psychiatry

Specialty Psychiatry

Date 2009 Apr 18

PMID 19373618

Citations 15

Authors

Veronica Harsh

Samantha Meltzer-Brody

David R Rubinow

Peter J Schmidt

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Epidemiologic studies have documented that the majority of women do not become depressed during the menopause transition. However, recent longitudinal studies suggest that in some women, the events related to the menopause transition could play a role in the onset of depression. In this article we review evidence suggesting a relationship between the menopause transition and depression. Additionally, we describe several findings that suggest a role of ovarian hormones in the onset of these depressions, including the clustering of episodes of depression during the stage of the menopause transition that is accompanied by estradiol withdrawal, and the therapeutic effects of short-term estradiol in depressed perimenopausal women. Finally, we discuss possible causes of affective disturbances during the menopause transition.

Citing Articles

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The role of family history of depression and the menopausal transition in the development of major depression in midlife women: Study of women's health across the nation mental health study (SWAN MHS).

Colvin A, Richardson G, Cyranowski J, Youk A, Bromberger J Depress Anxiety. 2017; 34(9):826-835.

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Review: Puberty as a time of remodeling the adult response to ovarian hormones.

Blaustein J, Ismail N, Holder M J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2015; 160:2-8.

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