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novapsycheU.S. Study Links Depression to Early Menopause
Women with a lifetime history of depression run a risk of entering the first stages of menopause years earlier than usual, researchers said Monday, putting them at risk sooner in life for osteoporosis and other health problems.
[...] Bernard Harlow, chief author of the study, said in an interview it is possible depression itself has a direct impact on the production of hormones, a phenomenon that has already been documented in women suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome.
[...] "Previous research has focused on the relationship between mood changes after menopause, but few studies have determined the impact of a history of major depression on an early transition to menopause," he said.
"We observed a 20 percent increase in risk of entering perimenopause sooner among women with a lifetime history of depression," he added in a statement released by the hospital.
Perimenopause typically begins during the fourth decade of life, when women begin to experience changes in their usual menstrual cycle and may also begin to see early menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and sweats.
Transition to menopause around age 50 is considered normal, but some women in the study were experiencing perimenopause in their late 30s, the authors said.
[...] Harlow said that in addition to osteoporosis and diminished sexual function, an earlier transition to perimenopause may be associated with a decline in cognitive function and increased risk of heart disease.
Women with a lifetime history of depression run a risk of entering the first stages of menopause years earlier than usual, researchers said Monday, putting them at risk sooner in life for osteoporosis and other health problems.
[...] Bernard Harlow, chief author of the study, said in an interview it is possible depression itself has a direct impact on the production of hormones, a phenomenon that has already been documented in women suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome.
[...] "Previous research has focused on the relationship between mood changes after menopause, but few studies have determined the impact of a history of major depression on an early transition to menopause," he said.
"We observed a 20 percent increase in risk of entering perimenopause sooner among women with a lifetime history of depression," he added in a statement released by the hospital.
Perimenopause typically begins during the fourth decade of life, when women begin to experience changes in their usual menstrual cycle and may also begin to see early menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and sweats.
Transition to menopause around age 50 is considered normal, but some women in the study were experiencing perimenopause in their late 30s, the authors said.
[...] Harlow said that in addition to osteoporosis and diminished sexual function, an earlier transition to perimenopause may be associated with a decline in cognitive function and increased risk of heart disease.