Hormone rollercoaster mimics postpartum depression in lab
NCT ID NCT00001481
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study enrolled 74 women with a history of postpartum depression to see if the sudden drop in hormones after childbirth causes mood symptoms. Researchers used hormone medications to simulate pregnancy and delivery in a controlled setting. The goal was to understand whether it's the withdrawal of hormones or the prolonged exposure that leads to depression.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
estradiol, progesterone, leuprolide acetate
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help identify why some women develop postpartum depression and point toward prevention strategies.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase study that creates a temporary hormone state, not a treatment trial. Results may not apply to real-world postpartum depression.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States