Transdermal Estradiol Treatment for Postpartum Depression: A Pilot, Randomized Trial.

ABSTRACT: Postpartum depression occurs in 14.5% of women in the first 3 months after birth. This study was an 8-week acute phase randomized trial with 3 cells (transdermal estradiol [E2], sertraline [SERT], and placebo [PL]) for the treatment of postpartum major depressive disorder. However, the study was stopped after batch analysis revealed that the E2 serum concentrations were lower than prestudy projections. This paper explores our experiences that will inform future investigations of therapeutic E2 use. Explanations for the low E2 concentrations were as follows: (1) study patch nonadhesion, which did not explain the low concentrations across the entire sample. (2) Ineffective transdermal patch preparations, although 2 different patch preparations were used and no significant main effect of patc

SUBMITTER: Wisner KL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4485597 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature