MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Hormone Replacement Therapy: Some Risk But No Impact on Mortality

While there are concerns regarding the risks associated with prolonged use of hormone replacement, an increasing number of studies suggest that the risk may be relatively low in certain settings. A study presented this week at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting which analyzed data from 43 randomized clinical trials suggests that menopausal hormone-replacement therapy does not appear to affect mortality either positively or negatively.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-05T10:19:09-04:00March 12th, 2015|Hormone Therapy, Menopausal Symptoms, Treatment, Vasomotor Symptoms|Comments Off

What is The Best Screening Tool for Antenatal Depression

About 10% to 15% of women experience clinically significant depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Furthermore, women with a history of major depression appear to be at high risk for recurrent illness during pregnancy particularly in the [...]

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-03-03T14:36:33-04:00March 6th, 2015|Depressive Disorders, Diagnosis & Screening, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Pregnancy Loss May Affect Mood in Subsequent Pregnancies

Many women experience the loss of a pregnancy at some time in their lives. It is estimated that about 20% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. In the United States, another 14% end in termination.1 [...]

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2021-11-04T08:28:32-04:00March 4th, 2015|Depressive Disorders, Pregnancy Loss, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

You Asked: Is Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Safe To Use During Pregnancy?

You can find a more recent post on this topic here: Venlafaxine and Duloxetine: Pooled Analysis Shows No Increase in Risk of Malformations We receive a fair number of questions on the use of duloxetine [...]

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-11-03T13:26:11-04:00March 3rd, 2015|Antidepressants, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations, You Asked|Comments Off

Treating Depression During Pregnancy Prevents Postpartum Depression

This is a relatively small study but I think it underscores the importance of screening for and treating depression during pregnancy. Previous studies have indicated that about 10% to 15% of women experience clinically significant [...]

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-07-20T13:30:59-04:00February 26th, 2015|Depressive Disorders, Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Prevention, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Treatment|Comments Off

Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms Last Longer than Five Years for Most Women

Up to 80% of women experience vasomotor symptoms (VMS) as they transition into the menopause phase. While clinical guidelines suggest that VMS typically last from 6 months to 2 years, we often see women with VMS lasting for a much longer period of time. To more accurately assess the duration of VMS in perimenopausal women, researchers analyzed data from 1449 women included in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), an observational study of women entering menopause. Here is a summary of the key findings:

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-02-25T12:02:26-04:00February 25th, 2015|Menopausal Symptoms, Vasomotor Symptoms|Comments Off

New Recommendations Call for Iodine in All Prenatal Vitamins

In the developing baby, iodine is necessary for thyroid function and normal brain development. According to a recent Lancet study, even children born to women with mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency during pregnancy are at increased risk for lower IQ and reading ability (assessed at age 9). The most severe effects were observed among children born to women with severe deficiency.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-07-20T13:33:58-04:00February 24th, 2015|Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Case Series: Mirtazapine (Remeron) in Pregnancy and Lactation

While we have adequate data to support the use of SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy, there is less data regarding other classes of antidepressants. A new case series documents the outcomes of infants exposed to mirtazapine (Remeron).

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-07-20T13:46:56-04:00February 23rd, 2015|Antidepressants, Breastfeeding & Medications, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Infertility Treatment May Increase the Risk of Postpartum Depression

While many women complain of psychological distress during infertility treatment, it has been somewhat unclear if the anxiety and depression women may experience is related to having to undergo infertility treatment or to the hormonal agents [...]

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-06-16T14:45:01-04:00February 18th, 2015|Infertility and Mental Health, Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Prevalence & Risk Factors|Comments Off

Ethnic Minorities at Greater Risk of Depression during Pregnancy

While various studies have recently examined the prevalence of depression during pregnancy, few of these studies have examined how being an ethnic minority may influence the risk of antenatal depression. A new study from Oslo, Norway suggests that certain ethnic minorities may have a higher risk.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-04-03T10:57:29-04:00February 17th, 2015|Depressive Disorders, Prevalence & Risk Factors, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

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