---
title: Does having an irregular menstrual cycle before pregnancy increase depression during pregnancy?
description: Yes, women with irregular cycles before pregnancy were more likely to have depression during pregnancy. Cycle length itself did not predict depression, only h
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/preconception-menstrual-cycle-disorder-and-antenatal-depression-a-cross-2022/
---

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- Does having an irregular menstrual cycle before pregnancy increase depression during pregnancy?

Randomised trial, 2022

# Does having an irregular menstrual cycle before pregnancy increase depression during pregnancy?

Yes, women with irregular cycles before pregnancy were more likely to have depression during pregnancy. Cycle length itself did not predict depression, only how consistent the cycles were.

 Moderate study design

Pregnant women at 16-20 weeks gestation who had used a period-tracking app

## What they did

Cross-sectional study using data from pregnant women at 16-20 weeks gestation. Researchers examined pre-pregnancy menstrual data recorded in a period-tracking app (cycle regularity and length) and assessed depression during pregnancy using a standard depression scale.

## What they found

Women with irregular menstrual cycles before pregnancy (varying by more than 6 days between cycles) had higher depression scores during pregnancy. Cycle length itself did not predict depression.

## What it means for you

Irregular menstrual cycles might be linked to higher depression risk during pregnancy. However, this was a single measurement during pregnancy, and the study relied on app-recorded data which may not be perfectly accurate. It cannot prove that irregular cycles cause depression.

16–20

weeks gestation for depression assessment

>6

days variability threshold for irregular cycles

## About the study

Original title Preconception menstrual cycle disorder and antenatal depression: a cross-sectional study with prerecorded information Authors Sasaki N, Akiyama H, Kawakami N et al. Journal Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology Year 2022 Study design Randomised trial What was tested None. Observational comparison of women with regular versus irregular pre-pregnancy menstrual cycles Read the paper [doi.org/10.1080/0167482x.2021.2010699](https://doi.org/10.1080/0167482x.2021.2010699)

## Topics

[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Apps and digital interventions](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-digital-health/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)

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## Related studies

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Survey study, 2009

Can estrogen therapy help depression that worsens during hormonal cycle changes?

Case-control study, 2006

Are hormone-related chemicals different in women with mood disorders during the menstrual cycle?

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