METHODS	In a double-blind , placebo-controlled study , 61 women with major depression , which began within 3 months of childbirth and persisted for up to 18 months postnatally , were allocated randomly active treatment ( n = 34 ; 3 months of transdermal 17 beta-oestradiol 200 micrograms daily alone , then 3 months with added cyclical dydrogesterone 10mg daily for 12 days each month ) or placebo ( n = 27 ; placebo patches and tablets according to the same regimen ) .\