Case-control study, 2004
Do menstrual characteristics and pregnancy history predict depression risk?
Yes, earlier age at first period, heavier periods, and irregular periods in early menstruation predicted higher depression risk. Women with multiple miscarriages or abortions had 2-3 times higher depression risk.
What they did
Population-based case-control study of 4161 premenopausal women aged 36-45. Researchers identified 332 women who met criteria for major depression and 644 without depression history. Detailed interviews covered menstrual cycle characteristics from first period through study enrollment and pregnancy history.
What they found
Depression risk increased significantly with earlier age at first period (P<0.001). Higher depression risk was associated with heavier menstrual flow and cycle irregularity during the first 5 years of menstruation. Women with multiple abortions were 2-3 times more likely to develop depression (95% CI 1.6-4.1). More months of breastfeeding was associated with decreased depression risk, especially postpartum depression (P=0.012).
What it means for you
Menstrual and pregnancy history may help doctors identify women at risk for depression. However, the study relied on women's memory of past events, which can be inaccurate. These associations should be confirmed in prospective studies before relying on them clinically.
4161
total number of women
2-3 times
higher depression risk with multiple abortions
P < 0.001
earlier menarche increases depression risk
About the study
- Original title
- Early life menstrual characteristics and pregnancy experiences among women with and without major depression: the Harvard study of moods and cycles
- Authors
- Harlow BL, Cohen LS, Otto MW et al.
- Journal
- Journal of affective disorders
- Year
- 2004
- Study design
- Case-control study
- Participants
- 4,161
- What was tested
- Early menstrual and pregnancy characteristics
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0165-0327(02)00459-7
Topics
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