| Erster Weltkongress zur seelischen Gesundheit der Frau 27. - 31. März 2001 in Berlin |
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Prof. Dr. Uriel Halbreich: Sex Hormones and Mood
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Worldwide, the prevalence of depression in women is significantly greater than in men. Available data suggest that estrogen, or its absence, is strongly implicated in the regulation of mood and behavior, as well as in the pathobiology of mood disorders.
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multiple effects and complex interactions of estrogens have been well documented, although
specific, multifaceted role of estrogen in each dysphoric state has yet to be
distinguished. Several facts suggest that estrogen exerts a vital role in the
precipitation and course of mood disorders in women. Gender differences in the prevalence
of depression first appear
after menarche, continue through reproductive age, and dissipate after perimenopause. Periods of hormonal fluctuations or
estrogen instability (i.e., premenstruai, postpartum, perimenopause) have been associated
with increased vulnerability to depression among susceptible women. lt is plausible that
the phenotype of these depressions is distinguishable.
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Based on current knowledge, estrogen treatment for affective disorders may be efficacious in two situations:
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