Short-term effects of three continuous hormone replacement therapy regimens on platelet tritiated imipramine binding and mood scores: a prospective randomized trial

Objective: To evaluate the effects of continuous hormone replacement therap y (HRT) regimens on platelet-tritiated (H-3-) imipramine binding (Bmax) and mood. Design: Prospective randomized study. Setting: University hospital. Patient(s): Sixty postmenopausal patients. Intervention(s): Randomization to 3 months of dairy treatment with tibolone and conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) .625 mg combined either with 2.5 or 5 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). The inclusion criteria-matched pa tients declined for HRT were prescribed daily alendronate. Pre- and posttre atment brood sampling for Bmax and mood evaluation with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were done. Main Outcome Measure(s): Pre- and posttreatment Bmax and mood scores. Result(s): As compared with baseline, both CEE+MPA regimens and tibolone si gnificantly increased Bmax. The comparisons of percent change from baseline Bmax for the CEE+MPA and tibolone groups were similar. All three HRT regim ens improved the BDI significantly, while there were no significant changes in the STAI. In the alendronate group, there were no significant changes i n both pre- and posttreatment Bmax and mood scores. Conclusion(s): Continuous treatment with CEE + MPA and tibolone increases p latelet H-3-imipramine binding and improves mood. Mood-enhancing effects of tibolone may occur through the serotonergic system, as is the case with es trogen. (C) 2001 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.