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