A study conducted in Australia reveals that Oestrogen estradiol combined with anti-psychotic drugs may be used treating women with schizophrenia. The study shows that there is link between oestrogen and mental illness which was recognized more than a century ago. However, scientific evidence backing oestrogen as a mental illness therapy has only recently emerged.

 

Jayashri Kulkarni of Alfred and Monash University and Alfred Hospital, Melbourne conducted a study on 102 women of child-bearing age with schizophrenia. And, for around 1 month, 56 women were randomly given 100 micrograms of estradiol daily via a skin patch. Similarly, 46 women were given a placebo skin patch in addition to their regular medications.

 

The researchers concluded that the group of women taking estradiol exhibited a greater improvement in psychotic symptoms over time than did the women taking antipsychotic medications alone. Now, it shows that Oestrogen may have a preventive role in women with schizophrenia. Positive effect of oestrogen will certainly lead to further exploration for more study in the field.