---
title: Can estrogen therapy help depression that worsens during hormonal cycle changes?
description: High-dose estrogen has shown some success for depression linked to hormonal fluctuations, though standard antidepressants often do not work. Recognizing that
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/are-oestrogens-useful-for-the-treatment-of-depression-in-women-2009/
---

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- Can estrogen therapy help depression that worsens during hormonal cycle changes?

Survey study, 2009

# Can estrogen therapy help depression that worsens during hormonal cycle changes?

High-dose estrogen has shown some success for depression linked to hormonal fluctuations, though standard antidepressants often do not work. Recognizing that depression follows the menstrual cycle or other hormonal changes is key to diagnosis.

 Moderate study design

Literature review synthesizing existing evidence

## What they did

Literature review of hormone-related depression, discussing history of treatment approaches and the relationship between mood changes and the menstrual cycle, postpartum period, and perimenopause.

## What they found

The relationship between mood changes and the menstrual cycle is well recognized. Historically, removing the ovaries was attempted to prevent hormone fluctuation, but this caused long-term harm like osteoporosis and heart disease. High-dose estrogen has been explored with some success. Diagnosis is based on symptoms worsening during hormone fluctuation (premenstrual phase, after birth, perimenopause). Some women feel well for only a minority of days in the month, and the problem can become chronic. Standard antidepressant medication is often not successful, though commonly prescribed.

## What it means for you

For women whose depression clearly follows hormonal patterns, estrogen therapy may work better than standard antidepressants, though this is a specialized treatment. This literature review reflects existing evidence, not a new study. High-dose estrogen has side effects and complexity requiring specialist care.

## About the study

Original title Are oestrogens useful for the treatment of depression in women? Authors Studd J, Panay N Journal Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology Year 2009 Study design Survey study What was tested Estrogen therapy (high-dose) compared to standard antidepressant medications Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2008.11.001](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2008.11.001)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Perimenopause and menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-perimenopause/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Review, 2012

Is depression linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause?

Review, 2011

Can estrogen hormones treat depression linked to the menstrual cycle?

Survey study, 2002

What treatments work for depression linked to the menstrual cycle and PMDD?

Study, 2004

Did SSRIs change what people thought of as depression in women?

Randomised trial, 2001

Do changing reproductive hormones disrupt the body's internal clock and cause mood disorders?

Lab study, 2018

How does depression affect menstrual function and fertility in women?

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