Study Evaluating Desvenlafaxine Succinate Sustained Release (DVS SR) vs. Escitalopram in Postmenopausal Women

Inclusion Criteria: * Postmenopausal women between the ages of 40 and 70 years, inclusive. * A primary diagnosis of MDD, single or recurrent episode, without psychotic features using the modified MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). * Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score \> or = 22 at the screening and baseline visit. Exclusion Criteria: * Use of oral estrogen-, progestin-, androgen-, or Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM)-containing drug products 8 weeks before baseline. * Current (within 12 months) psychoactive substance abuse or dependence (including alcohol), manic episode, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or a lifetime diagnosis of bipolar or psychotic disorder. * A history or active presence of clinically important medical disease. Additional criteria apply.