Does Citalopram Increase Estrogen? (+3 Effects)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 30/01/2024 | Next review date: 30/01/2026

Author bio

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159

Ivan Kahwa

View More north_east

In this article, we will discuss whether Citalopram increases estrogen levels. We will also discuss research studies and what one should do if this side effect occurs.

Does Citalopram increase estrogen?

Citalopram does not necessarily increase estrogen levels. This side effect is not considered common, but it has affected some people including both men and women.

Citalopram is an antidepressant which produces its effects by altering the neurotransmitter (serotonin) in the brain, which results in improving depression and anxiety symptoms (1).

Estrogen is a steroidal hormone mainly associated with the female reproductive system. It is also associated with many other functions in the body particularly maintaining bone and cardiovascular health (2).

Citalopram is not generally associated with an increase in estrogen levels. However, individual responses to medications can vary. If you have concerns about changes in hormone levels or other side effects while taking Citalopram, it is important to discuss them with your healthcare provider for proper guidance and testing if necessary.

How does Citalopram increase estrogen?

Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It may affect other neurotransmitters, particularly in the prefrontal cortex.

The exact mechanism of increased estrogen levels due to Citalopram is not well-documented. However, Citalopram may indirectly affect hormone levels by affecting the body’s stress response through the HPA axis, potentially affecting estrogen levels (1).

However, Citalopram is not directly associated with increasing estrogen levels but may impact reproductive health in some patients. Citalopram rarely causes high levels of estrogen in men, which can trigger the growth of breasts in men (3).

Women, on the other hand, suffer in more ways as Citalopram can ruin their menstrual cycle because of its effects on the levels of estrogen. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you think Citalopram is affecting your hormone levels.

What does research suggest?

There aren’t enough research studies to explain why and how Citalopram affects estrogen levels and who is more susceptible to it.

One study indicated that six common antidepressants including Citalopram can affect hormone levels, especially steroids like testosterone and estrogen at concentrations close to what’s typically found in the body (4).

They might affect estrogen and testosterone balance, potentially impacting how the hormone works. This suggests a need for more research to understand potential risks for people using these medications (4).

The good thing is that this side effect is seen to be reversible when Citalopram is discontinued. Overall, more research is required to fully understand the incidence of this side effect and how common it is.

What are the effects of increased estrogen levels?

Increased estrogen levels may cause many effects. Some of them include (2):

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Uterine cancer
Endometriosis
Breast cancer
Insulin resistance
Weight gain

Increased estrogen levels do not necessarily cause such effects but may also result in worsening of some conditions. Therefore, if you suspect any abnormal symptoms related to estrogen levels, seek medical help.

How to manage increased estrogen levels due to Citalopram?

To manage estrogen-related side effects of Citalopram, it is important to take the following steps:

Consulting healthcare provider

Citalopram is generally a safe medication and may not affect every patient. However, if it is affecting your hormone levels reach out to your healthcare provider.

They may either reduce its dosage and frequency or suggest an alternate antidepressant medication that does not cause an abnormality in your hormone levels.

Your healthcare provider may also recommend you get your hormone levels tested to assess your health condition properly. Through hormone testing, any abnormalities in your hormones can be detected to provide effective treatment.

Always remember not to skip the doses or discontinue the medication without medical supervision as it can lead to discontinuation syndrome further worsening your condition (5).

Lifestyle modification

Another way to manage increased estrogen levels due to Citalopram is by improving your lifestyle. Improve your lifestyle by making healthier choices. Consider taking healthy low-fat, and nutritious meals and avoid alcohol intake which may exacerbate and cause hormonal imbalance.

Include regular physical activity and focus on maintaining a healthy body weight. Reduction in body fat can help in decreased secretion of estrogen from your fat-storing cells.

Manage and limit your stress levels by indulging in mindful and stress-relieving exercises. Limit or avoid substances like caffeine, stimulants or recreational drugs.

In my opinion, Citalopram is not directly linked to an increase in estrogen levels. However, individual responses to medications vary. I would suggest always keeping track of your symptoms related to hormone change and informing your healthcare provider for proper guidance and treatment plans.