In Brief: Group CBT for Perinatal Anxiety
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is well-established as a treatment for anxiety disorders; however, few studies have examined the efficacy of CBT specifically tailored to address perinatal anxiety. A recent pilot study has explored the use of a group CBT intervention. The group included 10 pregnant or postpartum women who were recruited from a hospital setting and who reported anxiety as their principal source of distress. A diagnostic interview was completed to confirm [...]
SSRIs for Vasomotor Symptoms and Bone Health
Recent research has indicated that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be an effective option for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. However, it has been documented in some recent observational studies that SSRIs are associated with an increased risk of bone loss in older patients (2, 4). Since postmenopausal women are already at risk for bone loss and osteoporosis based on age and biological sex, taking an SSRI [...]
Augmentation with Quetiapine (Seroquel) for Women with PMDD
For women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first line of pharmacological treatment. A significant body of evidence, including numerous double-blind, randomized studies, supports the effectiveness of SSRIs in reducing both the emotional, as well as physical symptoms, of PMS and PMDD. In general, women respond to low doses of SSRIs, and treatment response usually occurs rapidly, often within several days. While treatment with SSRIs [...]
You Asked: Do Oral Contraceptives Cause Mood Swings or Depression?
Many women have concerns about the side effects of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Potential side effects include bloating, breast tenderness, and weight gain. In addition, some women may experience depression or mood swings, side effects that may influence a woman’s decision to start taking an oral contraceptive (OC), particularly if she has a history of depression.  Despite the prevalence of OC usage, few studies have explored the association between hormonal [...]
Placentophagy: More Myth Than Miracle
Placentophagy.  That’s a fancy term for describing what some women do after giving birth.  Placentophagy refers to the act of eating the placenta after giving birth.  Almost all non-human placental mammals ingest their placentas after birth, and over the last decade, we have seen more women considering this option.  Health advocates claim that various hormones and nutrients, including estrogen, progesterone, lactogen, iron, ?-endorphins, and oxytocin, are contained in the placenta, and [...]
In Brief: Some Menopausal Symptoms Worse in Women with Depression
Nearly a third of postmenopausal women experience vaginal changes, including dryness, itching and pain during sex -- symptoms related to the declining levels of estrogen occurring during the transition to menopause. Â According to a study which included 745 postmenopausal women with vaginal symptoms, it appears that these symptoms may be more disruptive for women who are also suffering from depression. Â For depressed women, vaginal symptoms more significantly affected quality of life, [...]