Effect of sexual steroids on mood and cognition

Abstract

The results of several experimental and observational studies suggest that sexual steroids present effects on central nervous system and potentially may affect mood and cognition. The use of estrogens in pre and postmenopausal period is associated to improvement of concentration, mood, memory and sleep pattern. Estrogens are also is associated to a delay in cognitive function decline characteristic of aging process or to the onset of Alzheimer disease. The observational studies indicate that estrogens may improve the mood and act as antidpressive but progesterone and its derivatives have opposite effect. However, randomized controlled trials suggest that the estrogen or estrogen plus progestins not only failed to improove mood, cognition na quality of life but also increase the risk of dementia. Therefore, there is a contradiction between observational and controlled randomized studies. Further investigations must to be done in order to clarify this controversy. However, up to now the data indicate that estrogen therapy is not to be primarily indicated to prevent depression, Alzheimer disease or cognition impairment.