Premenstrual depression, cortisol and oestradiol treatment

Abstract

SynopsisA woman with a 5-year history of frequently recurrent depressions responded poorly to the usual antidepressants. She had a raised plasma cortisol and was made worse by progesterone or by ACTH. An oestradiol/testosterone implant every 4 months abolished all symptoms for at least 8 years, and plasma cortisol returned to normal. This case is relevant to an understanding of premenstrual syndromes and the genesis of depressive illness.

Anticonflict actions of aqueous extracts of flowers of Achillea millefolium L. vary according to the estrous cycle phases in Wistar rats

“…Accordingly, these disorders increase during the postnatal period (Leonard, 1998;MacArthur, 1999;Stuart et al, 1998) and during the climacteric period (Wiklund et al, 1999;Hlatky et al, 2002). Fluctuations in circulating steroid hormones levels during the menstrual cycle (Halbreich et al, 1990;Pearlstein, 1995;Van Goozen et al, 1996) and during the administration of synthetic gestagens in oral contraceptives (Crammer, 1986;Wagner and Berenson, 1994) have been associated with impairments in mood. Nevertheless, all women with a normal ovulatory cycle display increased progesterone secretion during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle compared with the follicular phase, and progesterone may improve mood (Schmidt and Rubinow, 1997).…”

Diagnostic accuracy of salivary cortisol as a marker of premenstrual syndrome degrees in adolescents

“…In 1986, Crammer reported elevated plasma cortisol in PMS subjects, that normalized on estradiol/ testosterone medication, followed by a reduction of PMS symptoms (21). Similar results obtained by Odber et al (22) showed significantly elevated menstrual cortisol secretion, compared to post menstrual, in subjects with mild premenstrual physical and emotional changes.…”

Association of testosterone levels and future suicide attempts in females with bipolar disorder

“…In women first identified by abnormally elevated androgen levels, self-reported negative moods, such as depression, hostility, and irritability, were increased (Fava et al, 1989; Shulman et al, 1992; van de Poll et al, 1992). While some research suggests that elevated levels of androgens may be related to menstrual cycle-mood disorders and to negative mood states in women, depressed females also may experience relief with the administration of testosterone (Crammer, 1986; Dewis et al, 1986; Burd et al, 2001). It has been suggested that antidepressive effects of testosterone are through actions of 3α-diol (Edinger and Frye, 2005; Frye and Walf, 2009).…”

“…An association between blood or saliva testosterone levels and depressive symptoms in women was observed by several groups (Dalton, 1981; Baischer et al, 1992; Vogel et al, 1978; Eriksson et al, 1992; Weiner et al, 2004; Fava et al, 1989; Shulman et al, 1992; van de Poll et al, 1992). Some studies also found that administration of testosterone reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety in women (Crammer, 1986; Dewis et al, 1986; Burd et al, 2001). An association between blood free testosterone and premenstrual syndrome was also observed (Dalton, 1981; Eriksson et al, 1992).…”

“…Considerable evidence suggests that testosterone may play a role in the pathophysiology of mood disorders in females (Dalton, 1981; Baischer et al, 1995; Vogel et al, 1978; Eriksson et al, 1992; Weiner et al, 2004; Fava et al, 1989; Shulman et al, 1992; van de Poll et al, 1992; Crammer, 1986; Dewis et al, 1986; Burd et al, 2001). An association between blood or saliva testosterone levels and depressive symptoms in women was observed by several groups (Dalton, 1981; Baischer et al, 1992; Vogel et al, 1978; Eriksson et al, 1992; Weiner et al, 2004; Fava et al, 1989; Shulman et al, 1992; van de Poll et al, 1992).…”