New Research from the CWMH: Both Estradiol and Venlafaxine Improve Quality of Life in Perimenopausal Women with Hot Flashes
In healthy perimenopausal women with hot flashes, treatment with both estradiol and venlafaxine resulted in significantly greater improvement in quality of life, as compared to placebo. Estradiol had beneficial treatment effects on all domains of the MENQOL except for the psychosocial domain, whereas venlafaxine benefits were observed only in the psychosocial domain.  Caan B, LaCroix AZ, Joffe H, Guthrie KA, et al.  Effects of estrogen and venlafaxine on menopause-related quality of [...]
Depression in Fathers Affects Bonding
Multiple studies have shown that postpartum depression can interfere with bonding between the mother and her infant. While new fathers may also develop depression, little is known about how depression in the father affects bonding. A recent study from Sweden has taken a look at the association between maternal and paternal depressive symptoms and parental bonding with the infant. This study included 727 couples participating in a population-based cohort project (UPPSAT) [...]
Managing Sleep Problems in Menopausal Women: What Are the Options?
Peri- and post-menopausal women frequently complain of insomnia or poor sleep quality. Sleep disturbance is often attributed to nocturnal hot flashes; however, a recent study from researchers at Wayne State University School of Medicine suggests that a sizeable proportion of menopausal women may have a primary sleep disorder. Â There are various options for managing insomnia in this population. Non-Pharmacologic Options The MENOS 2 study included peri- and post-menopausal women with problematic [...]
ACOG Issues Opinion on Marijuana in Pregnant and Nursing Women
With many states now moving forward with the legalization of medical marijuana, there seems to be a growing sense that marijuana is relatively safe and may, in some cases, be more attractive or effective than traditional pharmacologic interventions. Â The use of marijuana in the United States appears to be increasing. Â According to a nationwide survey, 7.3% of Americans 12 or older regularly used marijuana in 2012, up from 5.8% of Americans [...]
Adjunctive Treatment with Medroxyprogesterone in Women with Acute Mania
Women with bipolar disorder often experience fluctuating mood symptoms across the menstrual cycle, typically reporting an exacerbation of symptoms during the premenstrual phase of the cycle (Rasgon et al, 2003, 2005). Â Other studies have indicated that women with bipolar disorder have more affective instability as they transition into the menopause, when there are pronounced fluctuations in levels of estrogen and progestin levels (Marsh et al, 2012). Â These findings have led researchers [...]
Brief Report: TMS for Depression During Pregnancy
Transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS is similar to ECT but uses electromagnetic pulses to generate electrical current in specific regions of the brain that are known to modulate mood. Â TMS is less likely to cause side effects and has thus been proposed as a possible alternative therapy for those suffering from treatment-resistant depression. Â (You can read more details about TMS here.) TMS, if effective, would be an ideal treatment for women [...]