Psychotropic effects of hormonal replacement therapy.

Estrogens have been shown to have a positive effect on mood and cognition. The effect on mood is probably by modulation of other processes, but estrogen probably is not an effective antidepressant when given alone. The effect on cognitive function is mostly favorable and direct, but might vary according to the specific task involved. Some progestins counteract the effects of estrogen and especially when administered in a sequential dosing might cause dysphoria. The mood effects of mixed estrogen-like compounds are not yet established. It may be predicted that eventually the cognitive effects of estrogen replacement therapy for postmenopausal women will be recognized as an additional indication for that hormone.