Weiser M, Levi L, Zamora D, et al. - In this 8-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled parallel-group study, researchers focused on the influence of transdermal estradiol added to antipsychotic therapy in women (n = 200) of childbearing age (aged 19 to 46 years) with schizophrenia. They randomized the participants to a 200-μg estradiol patch or placebo patch changed twice a week added to antipsychotic treatment. Findings revealed that Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale positive subscale, as well as Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale negative subscale, general psychopathology subscale, and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total scores improved statistically significantly after the receipt of transdermal estradiol patches. The efficacy of transdermal estradiol as an add-on therapy for women of childbearing age with schizophrenia was further supported by the findings. Also, its efficacy in causing improvements in negative symptoms and the presence of its effect particularly in those older than 38 years were the additional revelations. Viewing these findings in the context of the variations in the natural course of schizophrenia between females and males was recommended.