Estrogen replacement therapy and antidepressant response to sertraline in older depressed women

The influence of the use of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) on the antid epressant response to sertraline of 127 women over 60 years old was evaluat ed with data from two multicenter trials. At endpoint, sertraline-treated w omen taking ERT had significantly greater global improvement and quality of life than those not receiving ERT Modest improvements were also observed i n anxiety symptoms and cognitive functioning. The results provide prelimina ry evidence that ERT use (without progesterone) in older depressed women ma y augment the antidepressant response to sertraline in terms of quality of life and general improvement.