--- title: Does psychological distress in adolescence predict menstrual symptoms in adulthood? description: Yes. Women who had higher psychological distress at age 16 were significantly more likely to experience various menstrual symptoms at ages 16, 30, and 42. Thi url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/associations-between-psychological-distress-in-adolescence-and-menstrual-2024/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does psychological distress in adolescence predict menstrual symptoms in adulthood? Cohort study, 2024 # Does psychological distress in adolescence predict menstrual symptoms in adulthood? Yes. Women who had higher psychological distress at age 16 were significantly more likely to experience various menstrual symptoms at ages 16, 30, and 42. This is based on a large, long-term study. Strong study design 2584 women born in Britain in 1970, followed from age 16 to age 42 ## What they did Cohort study following 2584 women born in 1970 in Britain. At age 16, researchers measured psychological distress using a questionnaire. They then measured menstrual symptoms (pain, heavy periods, painful periods, pre-menstrual tension, and depression) at ages 16, 30, and 42. Analysis adjusted for sleep, appetite, physical activity, and socioeconomic status. ## What they found At age 16, girls with severe psychological distress were more likely to have depression (odds ratio 2.92), irritability (1.67), menstrual pain (1.34), and headaches (1.29). At age 30, a weaker association was found with pre-menstrual tension (1.72). At age 42, those with severe distress at 16 were more likely to have pre-menstrual tension (1.89), painful periods (1.64), and heavy periods (1.28). Pain was the most common symptom at 61% at age 16. ## What it means for you Early psychological distress is linked to menstrual problems throughout a woman's reproductive life. This is strong evidence of association, though the study cannot prove that distress causes the symptoms. Early mental health support might help prevent menstrual problems. 2584 women Study participants 61% Women with menstrual pain at age 16 Ages 16-42 Duration of follow-up ## About the study Original title Associations between psychological distress in adolescence and menstrual symptoms across life: Longitudinal evidence from the 1970 British Cohort Study Authors Martins C, Mitchell JJ, Hamer M et al. Journal Journal of affective disorders Year 2024 Study design Cohort study Participants 2,584 What was tested None (observational study) Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.03.069](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.03.069) Original abstract Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the association between psychological distress (PD) at age 16 and menstrual symptoms experienced across women's life. Methods: Up to 2584 females from the 1970 British Cohort Study, a study of individuals born within one week in 1970, were included. PD at age 16 was measured with the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Three categories were derived: low PD ( 15). Five menstrual health symptoms were self-reported at each age (16, 30 and 42 years). Binomial logistic regressions examined associations between PD at age 16 and each individual symptom, adjusted for age of menarche, sleep and appetite problems, physical activity levels and socioeconomic position. Results: The most prevalent symptoms were "pain" (61 %), "painful period" (10 %) and "heavy period" (33 %) at ages 16, 30 and 42, respectively. At age 16, those with severe PD were more likely to experience depression (OR: 2.92; 95% CI: 2.31, 3.70)), irritability (1.67; 1.33, 2.11), menstrual pain (1.34; 1.01, 1.80), and headaches (1.29; 1.02, 1.63). A weak association was found between severe PD at age 16 and pre-menstrual tension at age 30 (1.72; 1.01, 2.83). At age 42, those with severe PD at age 16 were more likely to experience pre-menstrual tension (1.89; 1.46, 2.44), painful periods (1.64; 1.27, 2.11), and heavy periods (1.28; 1.00, 1.62). Discussion: Menstruating females with higher levels of PD in adolescence have an increased risk of menstrual symptoms across adolescence, early and mid-adulthood. Our findings suggest the need to consider early-life psychological interventions to improve women's menstrual experiences across their reproductive years. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Sleep and insomnia](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-sleep/)[Pain and headache](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-pain/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)[Adolescents and young people](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-adolescents/) 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 Survey study, 2026 Are menstrual characteristics linked to depression and anxiety in teenage girls? Survey study, 2025 Do menstrual problems and poor sleep affect mood and thinking in teenage girls? Survey study, 2025 What is premenstrual syndrome and how can it be managed in adolescent girls? 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