[The effects of hormone replacement therapy in menopause on symptoms of anxiety and depression].

OBJECTIVE

Replacement of deficient hormones (hormone replacement therapy, HRT) is the main treatment modality in menopause. There is no concensus among researchers as to how HRT influences psychiatric symptoms that might develop during menopausal period. In this study we aimed to explore the effects of HRT on symptoms of anxiety and depression comparatively by using either estrogen or tibolone.

METHOD

Women with natural menopause who applied to the outpatient Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department were included in the study. Subjects (n=70) were randomized into two groups with one group to receive 17beta-estradiol and other group tibolon. All subjects were evaluated at baseline and after 3-months of HRT with Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS).

RESULTS

Forty six of 70 patients completed the study. The 17beta-estradiol (n=23) and the tibolone (n=23) groups were similar with respect to age, education and occupational status. The time from onset of menopause was longer in the tibolon group. HARS and HDRS scores were significantly decreased after 3 months of HRT in both the 17beta-estradiol and the tibolone groups. The two drug regimens were not significantly different in this respect.

CONCLUSION

HRT with 17beta-estradiol and tibolone improves symptoms of anxiety and depression in menopausal women.