Why Early Menopause May Increase Depression Risk in Some Women

New Delhi – A new study reveals that the severity of menopause symptoms and lack of emotional support may be key reasons why some women experience depression during early menopause.

Early menopause, medically referred to as premature or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), occurs when the ovaries stop functioning normally before the age of 40. This condition not only leads to estrogen deficiency but also to the unexpected loss of fertility—both of which have been linked to a higher lifetime risk of depression and anxiety.

However, the emotional impact of these changes varies among women.

Published in the journal Menopause, the study identifies several risk factors that can increase vulnerability to depression in women with POI. These include younger age at diagnosis, more intense menopausal symptoms, lack of emotional support, and grief related to infertility.

“The high prevalence of depressive symptoms among women with POI underscores the need for routine mental health screening in this at-risk group,” said Dr. Monica Christmas, Associate Medical Director at The Menopause Society.

She emphasized that psychological care should be integrated into the broader management of POI: “Addressing behavioral health with evidence-based treatments must be a part of any comprehensive POI care plan.”

The study, which analyzed data from 345 women diagnosed with POI, found that nearly 30% (29.9%) reported depressive symptoms. Interestingly, there was no significant difference in depression levels between women who were undergoing hormone therapy (estrogen plus progestogen) and those who were not.

Hormone therapy, while standard for managing physical symptoms of POI and preventing long-term health issues, is not considered a primary treatment for mood disorders. “This study confirms that hormone use alone doesn’t alleviate depressive symptoms. We need to approach mental health concerns in POI patients with targeted, evidence-based psychological interventions,” Dr. Christmas noted.

With inpust from IANS