Women with postpartum depression or women who have had a hysterectamy should NOT take an antidepressant to treat PPD but should take ESTROGEN.

Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.: Women with postpartum depression or women who have had a hysterectamy should NOT take an antidepressant to treat PPD but should take ESTROGEN.
Does your question include a comparison of different health care approaches? (If no, your topic will still be considered.): yes
If yes, explain the specific technologies, devices, drugs, or interventions you would like to see compared:: Compare women who take estrogen after birth or Oophorectomy (with hysterectomy) to women who take antidepressants.
What patients or group(s) of patients does your question apply to? (Please include specific details such as age range, gender, coexisting diagnoses, and indications for therapy.): Postpartum women Post menopausal women and women who have had a ophorectomy.
Are there subgroups of patients that your question might apply to? (For example, an ethnic group, stage or severity of a disease.)
Describe the health-related benefits you are interested in. (For example, improvements in patient symptoms or problems from treatment or diagnosis.): Improvement in mental, physical and especially emotional well being.
Describe any health-related risks, side effects, or harms that you are concerned about.: none - just want someone to research this.

Does your question include a health care drug, intervention, device, or technology available (or likely to be available) in the U.S.?

yes

Which priority area(s) and population(s) does this topic apply to? (check all that apply)

EHC Priority Conditions (updated in 2008)

AHRQ Priority Populations

Describe why this topic is important.: I was on estrogen after menopause and had a hysterectomy and oopherectomy. Was taken off estrogen due to high blood pressure. Became extremely depressed, emotional, and less functional without estrogen. Before and then after the surgery. I am POSITIVE that taking estrogen effects mood and well being and really want someone to help me prove this.
What specifically motivated you to ask this question? (For example, you are developing a clinical guideline, working with a policy with large uncertainty about the appropriate approach, costly intervention, new research you have read, items in the media you may have seen, a clinical practice dilemma you know of, etc.): Doing homework for nursing school and one assignment lead me to this sight.. I had been thinking the topic would be a good thesis, but didn't want to wait that long to have research start on this posible positive outcome.
Does your question represent uncertainty for clinicians and/or policy-makers? (For example, variations in clinical care, controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care, or a policy decision.): yes
If yes, please explain:: It might. I think that there is a stigma associated with hormones. Not enough research has been done, but would be so very beneficial if it was.

How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?: If it is proven - then woman everywhere won't have to go through so much depression.
Describe the timeframe in which an answer to your question is needed.: ASAP for women everywhere...
Describe any health disparities, inequities, or impact on vulnerable populations your question applies to.: Women in general are a vulnerable population when it comes to emotional health and hormones.

Other Information About You: (optional)

Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate): If it is proven - then woman everywhere won't have to go through so much depression.

Are you making a suggestion as an individual or on behalf of an organization?: Individual

Please tell us how you heard about the Effective Health Care Program: was directed to it in a nursing class

Effective Health Care Program