Oestrogen Substitution during the Menopause and Effect of SSRI. Digressioninto Psychoneuroendocrinology

Overview

A retrospective study in 52 female postmenopausal depressed patients showed that the results ofthe treatment with SSRIs are better, if the patients had hormonal substitution (HRT). In 82 % ofpatients on HRT, remission was achieved during 10 weeks of treatment with the SSRI with whichthe treatment was begun. In comparison, 29 % of patients without HRT had to be switched toanother antidepressant to achieve remission. In patients on HRT, fewer drug combinations wereused and fewer adverse drug effects were observed.The study shows the importance of the role of sexual steroids, serotonin and dopamine in theregulation of mental functions. The necessity of integration of neurophysiology and endocrinology is emphasized. This integration is urgent in neuropsychopharmacology - and in medical practice.

Key words:
oestrogens, menopausal depressive women, hormonal substitution, neurophysiology,endocrinology, psychoneuroendocrinology.