Sex hormone levels in females of different ages suffering from depression

Abstract

Background There are only a few studies on sex hormones in females of different ages suffering from depression, and their conclusions are not uniform until now. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the severity of depression in females and factors such as sex hormones and differences in sex hormone levels in females of different ages, exploring variations after treatment. Methods A total of 169 females with depression were selected and divided into the first-episode (91 cases) and recurrent (78 cases) groups. Then, on the basis of their age, the first-episode patients were divided into the young (48 cases, age < 45 years), perimenopausal (20 cases, 45–55 years), and elderly groups (23 cases, age > 55 years); the patients with recurrent depression were classified into the young (37 cases, age < 45 years), perimenopausal (19 cases, 45–55 years), and elderly groups (22 cases, age > 55 years). The patients were assessed in accordance with the International Classification of Diseases of mental and behavioral disorders. The serum progesterone, prolactin, estradiol, and testosterone levels in the patients were measured, and differences in sex hormone levels of the groups were analyzed. Results The estradiol level was negatively correlated with age and the prolactin level was positively correlated with occupation. The severity of depression in females was found to be negatively correlated with age. The serum progesterone and estradiol levels in the young group were significantly higher than those in the elderly group, regardless of the first episode or recurrence. Estradiol levels in the perimenopausal and elderly groups with first-episode depression were significantly higher than those in the same group with recurrent depression. However, there was no significant difference in the serum progesterone, prolactin, estradiol, and testosterone levels in the recurrent group before and after treatment. Conclusions Sex hormone levels, especially estradiol, varied among females of different ages suffering from depression. Recurrent depression also has a certain effect on sex hormone levels in females. Not only should the age and relapse be considered when studying the sex hormone levels of females with depression, but also attention should be paid to whether the patients have used antidepressants before their sexual hormonal testing.

Pharmacogenetic and drug interaction aspects on ketamine safety in its use as antidepressant ‐ implications for precision dosing in a global perspective

“…57 However, significantly higher levels of E2 were reported in perimenopausal women with first episode of depression compared to those with recurrent depression. 58 In contrast, a clinical trial study conducted to assess the antidepressant response to ketamine found no differences between men and women; however, the sample size was small and the outcome was focused on the response to a single treatment. 59 In addition, the authors did not take into account the timing of the menstrual cycle and the use of contraceptives, which may be vital when assessing the influence of gonadal hormones on the response to ketamine.…”

“…Glutamate based therapy has been proposed for treatment of perimenopausal depression 57 . However, significantly higher levels of E2 were reported in perimenopausal women with first episode of depression compared to those with recurrent depression 58 . In contrast, a clinical trial study conducted to assess the antidepressant response to ketamine found no differences between men and women; however, the sample size was small and the outcome was focused on the response to a single treatment 59 .…”

Association of Depression With Atrial Fibrillation in South Korean Adults

“… 35 In turn, fluctuation in estrogen levels in women is one of the proposed mechanisms of a higher incidence of depression in women. 36 Lei et al 37 reported that estrogen levels were substantially lower in patients with recurrent depression compared with patients with first-episode depression. Whether disrupted homeostasis of estrogen in women with depression is associated with increased risk for AF development remains an area for future research.…”

The Relationship between Menopause and Depression in Padang

“…This can be because the measuring instruments used in the study are also different. 9,13,14,15 The clinical picture due to decreased estrogen levels is very complex, influenced by organobiological, psychological and socio-cultural aspects. From the organobiological point of view, symptom manifestations occur in organs that require these hormones.…”