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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
08:42
Design and Implementation of an fMRI Study Examining Thought Suppression in Young Women with, and At-risk, for Depression
Published on: May 19, 2015
Depressive mood symptoms associated with ovarian suppression
J K Warnock1, J C Bundren, D W Morris
1University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Tulsa, 74135, USA. faye-biggs@ouhsc.edu
Fertility and Sterility
|November 1, 2000
Summary
Sertraline effectively manages depressive symptoms in women undergoing GnRH agonist therapy for endometriosis. This study found sertraline significantly reduced depression scores compared to placebo.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Psychopharmacology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist therapy is used for endometriosis but can cause ovarian suppression.
- Ovarian suppression may lead to mood disturbances, including depressive symptoms.
- Effective management of these symptoms is crucial for patient well-being during treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of sertraline in managing depressive symptoms during GnRH agonist therapy.
- To compare sertraline's effects against a placebo in women with endometriosis.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled prospective study.
- Participants: Premenopausal women with endometriosis receiving GnRH agonist therapy.
- Intervention: Random assignment to sertraline or placebo for 3 months, assessed using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD).
Main Results:
- A statistically significant difference in HRSD scores between groups (P=.02).
- The sertraline group showed significantly fewer depressive symptoms compared to the placebo group.
- The Hotellings T(2) test confirmed these between-group differences over time.
Conclusions:
- Sertraline is an effective pharmacological option for managing depression associated with GnRH agonist-induced ovarian suppression.
- This finding supports the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to mitigate mood side effects of hormonal therapies.
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