--- title: Are menstrual problems connected to depression? | Niyora description: Yes, strongly. Women with severe menstrual problems had significantly higher rates of depression. Those with severe PMS had twice the risk of definite depress url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/menstrual-disorders-are-associated-with-depressive-symptoms-among-women-of-2025/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Are menstrual problems connected to depression? Survey study, 2025 # Are menstrual problems connected to depression? Yes, strongly. Women with severe menstrual problems had significantly higher rates of depression. Those with severe PMS had twice the risk of definite depression compared to women without PMS. Moderate study design 3088 Korean women aged 13-55, of whom over half experienced at least one severe menstrual disorder ## What they did A nationwide Korean survey of 3088 women assessed menstrual problems (period pain, PMS, abnormal bleeding) using pain scales and depression using a standard scale. Researchers calculated how much higher the depression risk was for women with each menstrual problem. ## What they found Overall, 19.4% had probable depression and 21.2% had definite depression. Women with severe PMS had 2.00 times higher risk of definite depression (95% CI 1.71-2.34). Severe period pain increased risk by 1.61 times (1.38-1.88). Abnormal bleeding by 1.40 times (1.17-1.67). Women with all three conditions had 2.14 times higher risk. ## What it means for you Menstrual problems and depression are closely linked. Women with severe PMS face particular depression risk. This is a large nationwide study showing consistent patterns, but it cannot prove that menstrual problems cause depression. Results are from Korea and may be specific to that population. 3088 Korean women surveyed 2.00 increased depression risk with severe PMS 2.14 risk increase with all three menstrual disorders ## About the study Original title Menstrual Disorders Are Associated With Depressive Symptoms Among Women of Reproductive Age: Findings From the Korean Women's Health Survey for Sexual and Reproductive Health Authors Han K, Song S, Song BM et al. Journal Journal of Korean medical science Year 2025 Study design Survey study Participants 3,088 What was tested None Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e123](https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e123) ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Systematic review, 2025 How common are PMS, PMDD, and painful periods in nursing students, and do they affect their schooling? Survey study, 2026 Are menstrual characteristics linked to depression and anxiety in teenage girls? Survey study, 2026 Does exercise help college women with period problems and mental health? Survey study, 2026 How common is PMDD among college women and what increases the risk? Review, 2026 How much do PMS and menstrual disorders affect women's work, school, and quality of life? Survey study, 2025 Do adverse childhood experiences increase PMS and menstrual symptoms in adulthood? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗