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.
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
Topics
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