A double-blind randomised placebo controlled trial of postnatal norethisterone enanthate: The effect on postnatal depression and serum hormones

Abstract

Objectives To determine the effect of postnatal administration of the long-acting progestogen contraceptive, norethisterone enanthate, on postnatal depression and on serum hormone concentrations, and their association with depression. Design Double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial. Setting A tertiary care hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Population Postnatal women using a non-hormonal method of contraception (n= 180). Methods Random allocation within 48 hours of delivery to norethisterone enanthate by injection, or placebo. Main outcome measures 1. Depression scores in the three months postpartum as rated by the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Edinbu..