Objective:To observe changes of sexual hormone level

score for Hamilton depression scale（HAMD） and clinical score for TCM symptoms after treatment of female depression with the principle of soothing the liver and relieving depression

and tonifying the kidney and relieving mental stress.Methods:Sixty cases of female patients of depression were randomly assigned to a treatment group（n=30） and a control group（n=30） according to age and condition of patients.Scores for HAMD and TCM symptoms before and after treatment were recorded and compared in both groups.Serum estradiol（E

2

）

progestin（P） and prolactin（PRL） levels were determined in the patients of depression and healthy persons.Results:Hormone levels were correlated with HAMD scores and 4 factors of HAMD

and after treatment with the method for soothing the liver and tonifying the kidney

serum E

2

increased （P

<

0.01） and PRL decreased significantly（P

<

0.01）

with a therapeutic effect similar to that of Paroxetine

and adverse reactions of Paroxetine such as anorexia

nausea and vomiting alleviated.Conclusion:Female hormone levels are correlated with degrees of depression

and the method for soothing the liver and tonifying the kidney can regulate sexual hormone levels of the female depression patient

with obvious therapeutic effect and safety.