Hormone Therapy May Prevent Depression in Perimenopausal Women: But What Are the Risks?
 Multiple studies have demonstrated that the menopausal transition is associated with a 2- to 4-fold increased risk for clinically significant depressive symptoms. There have been several studies suggesting that hormone therapy may improve depressive symptoms in women presenting with depression during this transition.  A recent study examined the efficacy of hormone replacement therapy in preventing the onset of depressive symptoms in a group of euthymic perimenopausal and early postmenopausal women. This [...]
Weekly Roundup for March 30, 2018: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
This week there are two very interesting articles which look at the impact of parental exposure to adverse childhood experiences may affect a child developmental outcomes. Â Colker and colleagues note that about 20% of women with histories of psychiatric illness experience suicidal ideation during the postpartum period. Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD Parental Adverse Childhood Experiences and Offspring Development at 2 Years of Age. Folger AT, Eismann EA, Stephenson NB, Shapiro RA, [...]
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 [...]