Estrogen improves psychological function in asymptomatic postmenopausal women

Article Abstract:

Although many women report menopause-related psychological symptoms such as depression, few studies have examined the causes of or treatments for these symptoms. One of the physiological changes that occurs with menopause is estrogen deficiency. Many postmenopausal women are given estrogen replacement therapy to counteract or prevent physical changes associated with such deficiency (osteoporosis). Estrogen deficiency has also been suggested as a cause of postmenopausal psychological symptoms and replacement therapy has been suggested as a treatment for these symptoms. To evaluate this issue, 36 asymptomatic, postmenopausal women were given either a placebo, or one of two doses of estrogen for three months. Psychological function was measured prior to and during the final week of drug therapy. Scores on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory were similar for the three groups at the beginning of the study. At the end of the study, depression scores tended to decrease and hypomania scores tended to increase for the subjects taking estrogen. On the Profile of Adaptation to Life test, scores showed significant increases for adaptation to income management for the subjects who received estrogen. Estrogen treatment was associated with significant decreases in depression scores on the Beck Depression Inventory; however, the decreases were not related to estrogen dosage. Estrogen treatment did not affect scores on tests of memory. These result indicate that estrogen therapy may be useful in improving some of the negative psychological symptoms associated with menopause. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

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Some misconceptions concerning the menopause

Article Abstract:

Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop producing the female hormone estrogen. Although it is widely believed that during menopause women experience more depression and a decline in sexual desire or activity, there is little evidence to support this notion. All the literature on menopause dating back from the 1850s is reviewed. The earliest publications from the 1920s describe the role of estrogen in menopause, claiming that psychic symptoms were experienced by a majority of middle-aged women. In the 1950s, a textbook of gynecology mentioned nothing about the emotional or sexual aspects of life after menopause. It wasn't until the 1960s that sexual problems were acknowledged as potentially being psychologically based and not necessarily due to physical abnormalities. One of the largest studies examining sexual behavior in the elderly population was published by Brecher in 1984. This study revealed that the sexual activity of married men and women in middle-age was identical. Furthermore, there is little evidence in any literature that women who have suitable male partners have a decreased sexual desire. In addition, there is little to support depression among menopausal women as a separate psychiatric entity. In fact, some studies show a decrease in depression among middle-aged women. No studies have reported a consistent and predictable decline in sexual activity or increased depression among menopausal women. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Middle aged persons, Middle age, Sexual behavior, Causes of, Depression in old age, Geriatric depression

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Primary Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Article Abstract:

Hormone replacement therapy appears to be the most effective treatment for preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women lose about 3% to 5% of bone mass per year, which is 10 times rate in premenopausal women. Postmenopausal estrogen not only inhibits bone loss and reduces the rate of fractures, it has beneficial cardiovascular effects as well. Calcium and vitamin D supplements may also reduce bone loss. Drugs called bisphosphonates can also inhibit bone loss but not to degree that estrogen can.

Prevention, Osteoporosis

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