Lifestyle

Lesser menstrual cycle explains the risk of depression for women

Lesser menstrual cycle explains the risk of depression for women

A research shows that lesser menstrual cycle explains the risk of depression for women’s. The start of exposure from menstruation to oestrogen for the longer durations was significantly associated with a reduced risk of depression until the onset of menopause during the transition to menopause and for up to 10 years post menopause. Researchers said that lesser menstrual cycle is the reason for some women to the risk of depression over the lifespan as well as earlier menopause. The number of pregnancies or incidence of breastfeeding had no association but the longer duration of birth control use was associated with a decreased risk of depression. Executive Director at the North American Menopause Society NAMS said that “women more vulnerable to face depressive symptoms during and after the menopause just because of the transition of fluctuating hormone changes.”

Pinkerton added, “This study additionally found a higher risk for depression in those with earlier menopause, fewer menstrual cycles over lifespan or more frequent hot flashes,”. However, the new study focused on the effect of estradiol the predominant oestrogen present during the reproductive years. In depression, estradiol modulates the synthesis, availability and metabolism of serotonin a key neurotransmitter. Previous studies have suggested a role for reproductive hormones in causing an increased susceptibility to depression.

The researchers said in the paper published in the journal Menopause that the duration of exposure to estradiol throughout the adult years varies widely among women while fluctuations of estradiol during the menopause transition are universal.

Pinkerton said that women along with their providers need to recognise the symptoms of depression such as loss of pleasure, mood changes, changes in weight or sleep, fatigue, feeling worthless, being unable to make decisions, or feeling persistently sad and take appropriate action,”. For the study, the menstruating premenopausal women aged 42 to 52 years and the team included more than 1,300 regularly.

About the author

Shubham Jain