Both antidepressant medications and cognitive therapy have been shown to be effective for the treatment of depression; however, the question remains as to whether one treatment is preferred over the other. Subjects enrolled in The Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) study (men and women with major depression, ages 18-75) were initially treated [...]

Most women experience some degree of sleep disturbance during pregnancy, and for a significant number of women sleep disruption may be quite severe. There are many different causes for sleep disturbance during pregnancy, and choosing the appropriate intervention relies on an accurate diagnosis of the problem.
Certain sleep disorders, such as restless leg syndrome and [...]

Oral contraceptives are commonly prescribed for the treatment of premenstrual symptoms and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD); however, the evidence supporting the use of oral contraceptives in this setting is limited. While most studies have shown that oral contraceptives are not effective for the treatment of premenstrual symptoms, there is preliminary evidence that a new [...]

Estrogen was first approved by the FDA for the treatment of menopausal symptoms in 1942, and for many decades estrogen replacement therapy had been widely prescribed for peri- and post-menopausal women. In 2002, however, data from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) suggested that hormonal therapy may be associated with an increased risk of breast [...]

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) occurs in 4-7% of women and is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles and hyperandrogenism (facial hair, acne, male-pattern hair loss, acne, or elevated male hormone levels). The majority of women with PCOS also suffer from obesity and insulin resistance. PCOS has been associated with a spectrum of health problems including infertility, [...]

After delivery, women experience a dramatic drop in estrogen hormone levels. Many have hypothesized that this decline in estrogen levels may precipitate postpartum depression (PPD) in susceptible individuals, and several studies have explored the use of estrogen for the treatment of depression after delivery.
In a double blind, placebo-controlled study including 61 women with PPD, [...]

Peri- and post-menopausal women frequently complain of insomnia or poor sleep quality. Sleep disturbance is often attributed to nocturnal hot flashes; however, a recent study from researchers at Wayne State University School of Medicine suggests that about half of these women may have a primary sleep disorder.
In this study, 102 women (ages 44 to [...]