Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy on the Serotonergic System and Mood in Postmenopausal Women

Hormone Replacement Clinical Trial

Official title: The Influence of Hormone Replacement Therapy on the Cerebral Serotonin-1A Receptor Distribution and Mood in Postmenopausal Women

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

Menopausal and postmenopausal women compose almost 20% of the Austrian population. Two thirds of all austrian women suffering from depression or anxiety disorders are over 45 years old. The serotonergic system, partially regulated by the steroid hormones estrogen and progesterone, plays a major role in the pathogenesis and treatment of these illnesses. To examine the effect of the hormone replacement therapy on the serotonergic system, twenty-four postmenopausal women will be measured using positron emission tomography (PET). The volunteers will participate in two PET scans. The first PET scan will be performed right before the hormone treatment starts, the second PET scan about 8 weeks after daily treatment with (1) a combination of estrogen and progesterone or (2) estrogen and placebo. This imaging study hypothesizes that the expression of the main inhibiting serotonergic receptor (the serotonin-1A receptor) will be altered by the hormone therapy. The results of the study might lead to new strategies in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses during and after the menopausal transition.

Clinical Trial Description

n/a

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator), Primary Purpose: Basic Science

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Hormone Replacement

• NCT number: NCT00755963
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Medical University of Vienna
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 4
• Start date: May 2009
• Completion date: July 2011