A new study published in the journal Menopause has found that women who experience premature menopause, also known as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), are more likely to suffer from depression.
The condition occurs when the ovaries stop functioning normally before the age of 40, leading not only to a drop in estrogen levels but also to the unexpected loss of fertility. These changes can have a strong emotional impact on some women, more than others.
Researchers found that 29.9 percent of women with POI reported symptoms of depression. The study identified several risk factors, including a younger age at diagnosis, more severe menopause symptoms, lack of emotional support, and grief related to fertility loss. Interestingly, the use of hormone therapy or the levels of oestradiol did not appear to influence the likelihood of depression.
Dr. Monica Christmas, associate medical director for The Menopause Society, emphasized that while hormone therapy is standard for treating some symptoms and supporting preventive care, it is not effective as a first-line treatment for mood disorders. She highlighted the importance of regular mental health screenings for women with POI and called for emotional and psychological support to be included in their overall care plan.
The findings suggest that focusing on behavioral health and offering the right emotional support can make a significant difference in the mental well-being of women facing early menopause.
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