Understanding the Interplay Between Depression and Menopausal Symptoms
 It has previously been reported that women seeking treatment at menopause clinics are more likely to report significant physical symptoms (e.g., vasomotor complaints), as well as depressive symptoms and anxiety. On the other hand, most women in the community do not experience significant depression while transitioning into the menopause. Thus, it is important to understand why some (but not all) women develop depressive symptoms during the menopausal transition.  In other [...]
In Brief: Does Micronized Progesterone Relieve Perimenopausal Symptoms?
For decades, estrogen was used as a component of hormone replacement therapy to treat menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbance; however, after several large, prospective studies (e.g., HERS, WHI) questioned the safety of long-term use of HRT, as well as its efficacy to prevent cardiovascular disease, many women have decided to avoid traditional HRT regimens. While most studies have focused on the use of estrogen to treat [...]
Weekly Roundup for March 23, 2018: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
 This week includes several good reviews.  The first one is a review of postpartum anxiety. Thomson and Sharma review the treatment of bipolar disorder during pregnancy.  And there is also a review of IPT for the treatment of perinatal depression. Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD Postnatal anxiety prevalence, predictors and effects on development: A narrative review. Field T.  Infant Behav Dev. 2018 Mar 12;51:24-32. The demographic risk factors for postnatal anxiety [...]
Fetal Alcohol Disorders More Common Tnan Previously Thought
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) refers to a constellation of disorders resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol; the manifestations include birth defects, developmental disabilities, and neurological and behavioral problems. Prenatal alcohol exposure is the most common preventable cause of birth defects, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are the most commonly identifiable causes of developmental delays and intellectual disabilities. Based on the multiple studies demonstrating an association between alcohol exposure and these [...]
In Brief: Most Midlife Women Get Inadequate Sleep
 According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, adults should get 7 or more hours of sleep per night in order to avoid the health risks of chronic inadequate sleep.  According to a recent study, 35.1% of women aged 40 to 59 years get fewer than the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night. The situation was affected by menopausal status; 56.0% of perimenopausal women and 40.5% of postmenopausal women. [...]
Chasteberry for PMS and PMDD
Chasteberry, the fruit of the chaste tree or Vitex agnus castus, has long been touted as a remedy for a range of reproductive problems, including premenstrual symptoms or PMS. Â Two recent publications have reviewed data on the use of Vitex agnus castus (VAC) for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and discuss how VAC may be incorporated into clinical practice. Verkaik and colleagues identified 17 randomized controlled [...]