The role of estrogen therapy in postpartum psychiatric disorders: an update.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this review is to assess and summarize the existing literature data about the efficacy of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in preventing and treating postpartum psychiatric disorders.


METHODS
An extensive and unrestrictive computerized search (from 1970 to June 2005) on MEDLINE/PubMed, TOXNET, EMBASE, and Cochrane Databases was conducted with the following search terms: estradiol, estrogen-treatment, hormonal treatment, therapy, postpartum depression, postnatal depression, puerperal depression, postpartum blues, postpartum psychosis, lactation, and breastfeeding.


RESULTS
In assessing available literature information about the role of ERT in preventing and treating puerperal psychiatric diseases, all reviewed studies were found to suffer from severe methodological limitations.


CONCLUSIONS
Well-designed and strictly focused multicenter trials are warranted in order to firmly establish the effectiveness of ERT in puerperal psychiatric disorders.
Gentile
Salvatore
S
Mental Health Center, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Salerno Number 1, Nocera Inferiore, Italy. salvatore_gentile@aliceposta.it
D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy*; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000523:psychology*
D004967:Estrogens