The effect of exogenous estrogen on depressive mood in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 37068417 · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.04.002
What was done
The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of exogenous estrogen on depressive mood in women across different reproductive statuses. Meta-regressions were conducted to test associations with age, dose, and route of administration.
What was found
Exogenous estrogen was superior to control groups for improving depressive mood, whether administered alone or combined with progesterone or antidepressants. Women in perimenopause showed greater sensitivity and benefit than those in other reproductive stages. Meta-regression indicated that effect was associated with age in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, rather than estrogen dose or administration route. The abstract does not report specific numerical effect sizes, sample sizes, confidence intervals, or p-values.
Why it matters
These findings suggest that moderating sex hormone fluctuations through estrogen therapy can alleviate depressive symptoms in women, particularly during the perimenopausal transition.
Limits
The abstract provides no numerical data, effect sizes, confidence intervals, or total participant count. Heterogeneity in regimens (alone vs. combined with progesterone or antidepressants) and diagnostic criteria for depressive mood across the 14 trials cannot be assessed from the abstract alone.
Cited by
- supports Declining estrogen levels can contribute to or cause depression in women.