Could estrogen patches ease perimenopause mood swings and psychosis?

NCT ID NCT05282277

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether estradiol patches can improve anhedonia (loss of pleasure) and psychosis symptoms that start during perimenopause. About 100 women aged 44-55 will receive either estradiol or a placebo patch for three weeks, plus a short course of progesterone. Researchers will use brain scans to see how the hormone affects reward-related brain activity.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: estradiol (a hormone patch)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a hormone-based treatment for mood and psychosis symptoms that start during perimenopause.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study with only 103 participants, so results may not apply widely. Hormone therapy also carries risks like blood clots and breast tenderness.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Anhedonia Depression depressive disorder mood disorder psychotic disorder Psychotic Disorders

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANHEDONIA DEPRESSION PSYCHOSIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
RECRUITING

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27514, United States

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