Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 16: Women experiencing premature menopause are at a higher risk of depression, especially those lacking emotional support or battling severe menopausal symptoms, according to a new study published in the journal Menopause on Wednesday.

Premature menopause, or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), is a condition where the ovaries stop functioning before age 40. Apart from the hormonal changes, affected women also face the psychological trauma of unexpected infertility, which contributes to increased rates of depression and anxiety.

Researchers studied 345 women with POI and found that nearly 30 per cent showed symptoms of depression. Notably, younger age at diagnosis, lack of emotional support, severity of symptoms, and fertility-related grief were identified as major contributing factors.

“The high prevalence of depressive symptoms in those with POI highlights the importance of routine screening in this vulnerable population,” said Dr Monica Christmas, Associate Medical Director for The Menopause Society.

While hormone therapy is commonly used to manage physical symptoms, the study found it had no significant impact on mood disorders. There was no notable difference in depression levels between women on hormone therapy and those who weren’t.

“Although hormone therapy is standard for managing some symptoms, it is not a first-line treatment for mood issues,” Dr Christmas emphasized. “Behavioural-health concerns must be addressed with proper evidence-based interventions as part of comprehensive POI care.”

The findings underscore the need for emotional and psychological support systems alongside medical treatment for women dealing with early menopause.