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Related Experiment Videos

Oestrogens and progestogens for preventing and treating postnatal depression.

T A Lawrie1, A Herxheimer, K Dalton

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Hospital, PO Box 19164, Tygerberg, Western Cape, South Africa, 7505. lawrie@pixie.co.za

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|May 5, 2000
PubMed
Summary

Synthetic progestogens, like norethisterone enanthate, increase the risk of postnatal depression and should be used cautiously. Oestrogen therapy may offer modest benefits for severe cases, but further research is limited.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Perinatal Mental Health

Background:

  • Postnatal depression (PND) affects at least 10% of women postpartum.
  • Sex hormone imbalance is a suspected cause of PND.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the efficacy of oestrogens and progestogens in preventing and treating PND.
  • To evaluate hormonal interventions for PND.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of randomized controlled trials from the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group register.
  • Inclusion criteria: pregnant or postpartum women (up to 18 months) randomized to oestrogen, progestogen, or placebo for PND treatment/prevention.

Main Results:

  • Depot norethisterone enanthate (8-12 weeks postpartum) significantly increased PND scores compared to placebo.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Oestrogen therapy showed greater improvement in depression scores than placebo in severely depressed women.

    • Conclusions:

    • Synthetic progestogens are not recommended for PND prevention or treatment.
    • Long-acting norethisterone enanthate increases PND risk; caution advised for women with depression history.
    • Oestrogen may have modest benefits in late-stage severe PND; further research is ethically constrained.