A New Drug Aimed at Midlife Depression in Women

Two NIH researchers—Dr. Sarah A. Rudzinskas and Sarah Spector—on studies they are helping conduct for a new drug aimed at helping women in midlife who suffer from depression-typically for the first time in their lives.

An estimated 20% of American women have depression at some point during menopause; and 38% experience depression in  perimenopause. The researchers are exploring the link between low levels of estrogen and how that impacts the brain—which this new drug, manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lily,  addresses.