A meta-analysis of the effect of hormone replacement therapy upon depressed mood

doi:10.1016/S0306-4530(96)00034-0

Psychoneuroendocrinology

Volume 22, Issue 3, April 1997, Pages 189-212

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0306-4530(96)00034-0 Get rights and content

Abstract

This meta-analysis had two objectives: (a) to aggregate data from studies that used hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and a quantitative measure of depressed mood in order to examine the effectiveness of HRT upon menopausal depressed mood; and (b) to review the methodologies of this literature base. The overall effect size for HRT was 0.68. This indicated that the average treatment patient had lower levels of depressed mood than 76% of the control patients. Analyses of specific hormone treatments suggested that (a) estrogen significantly reduced depressed mood (ES = 0.69); (b) progesterone alone, and in combination with estrogen, was associated with smaller reductions in depressed mood (ES = 0.39, ES = 0.45, respectively); and (c) androgen alone and in combination with estrogen was associated with greater reductions in depressed mood (ES = 1.37; ES =0.90, respectively). In summary, HRT appeared to be effective in reducing depressed mood among menopausal women. The methodological review indicated that most studies used adequate sample sizes, controlled research designs, random assignment, double-blind treatment manipulations, and valid and reliable measures of depression. Limitations in the interpretation of these results are discussed and recommendations for improved methodology are provided.

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ArticleA meta-analysis of the effect of hormone replacement therapy upon depressed mood

Abstract

Maturitas

Psychoneuroendocrinology

Maturitas

Maturitas

Fertility and Sterility

Maturitas

Maturitas

Lancet

Journal of Affective Disorders

Psych oneuroendocrinology

Lancet

Estrogens, plasma tryptophan levels in perimenopausal patients

An evaluation of clinical response to piperazine oestrone sulphate (‘Harmogen’) in menopausal patients

Current Medical Research and Opinion

Applying tests of combined significance in meta-analysis

Psychological Bulletin

Assessing depression in primary care practice with the Beck Depression Inventory and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression

Psychological Assessment

Does selection to estrogen therapy explain the cardiovascular protective effect?

Experimental and Quasi-experimental Designs for Research

Double blind psychometric studies on the effects of natural estrogens on postmenopausal women

Assessment of depression

Relation between plasma hormone profiles, symptoms, and response to oestrogen treatment in women approaching the menopause

British Medical Journal

Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences

Post menopausal symptoms and response to hormonal replacement therapy: influence of psychological factors

Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Double blind cross-over study of estrogen replacement therapy

Is oestrogen therapy effective in the treatment of menopausal depression?

Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners

Effect of ‘natural oestrogen’ replacement therapy on menopausal symptoms and blood clotting

British Medical Journal

The use of hormone implants for the climacteric symptoms

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Quality of life during sequential hormone replacement therapy: a placebo-controlled study

International Journal of Fertility

Estrogen improves psychological function in asymptomatic postmenopausal women

Obstetrics and Gynecology

The influence of oestrogens on the well being and mental performance in climacteric and postmenopausal women

Acta Obstetrica et Gynecologia Scandinavica

Article
A meta-analysis of the effect of hormone replacement therapy upon depressed mood