Depression may have a negative impa...

Depression may have a negative impact upon the neuroendocrine system that curbs ovarian function. This speculation arises because women with early-onset menarche are at an increased risk for depression later in life. A novel study found that women with depression had lower horizontals of estrogen and higher flushs of luteinizing hormone (LH). Women in common study who had a history of depression requiring pharmacologic therapy were sum of two units to three times more likely to report menopause before 47 years of age than those who had no history of depression requiring treatment. small in number studies have documented the impact that major depression has forward the early transition to menopause. Harlow and colleagues studied whether depression could describe a risk factor for a precipitous decline in ovarian function and if depression is a marker for that same decline in ovarian function that usher ins the cessation of menstruation at several years.

The participants were from a population-based, cross-sectional sample of women between 36 and 44 years of age from a metropolitan community. To qualify for enrollment they had to have a history of depression that met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed (DSM-IV) criteria for major depression. A matched mastery population who had no history of major depression was then pick outed from the sample. Patients were assessed for major depression and its severity if ready and information concerning lifestyles, menstrual and reproductive history, past and popular medical conditions, and the use of hormonal or nonhormonal medications at the start of the research and every six months for 36 month Perimenopause was defined as a change of seven days or more in the menstrual circle of time a change in the menstrual follow amount or duration, or amenorrhea for at least three consecutive month Hormonal assessment including LH follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol was performed at day 2 3 or 4 of the menstrual period every six months.

Women with a history of depression had a higher rate of perimenopause when compared with those who had no history of depression. Those with pronounced depressive symptoms had twice the risk of earlier perimenopausal transition. Participants who required antidepressant medication to treat their depression had almost three times the risk of an earlier perimenopausal transition than the women without a history of depression. With regard to hormonal evaluation, women with a history of lifetime depression had higher on a levels of serum LH and FSH and lower horizontals of estradiol at the start of the contemplation and during the follow-up period. This was significant flat after adjustments for covariants.

The authors end that a lifetime history of major depression may be associated with an early decline in ovarian function. This early transition to perimenopause may proceed in prolonged exposure to a hypoestrogenic state, which is associated with bone density los sexual dysfunction, a decline in cognitive function, and a potential increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Harlow BL et al. Depression and its influence upon reproductive endocrine and menstrual round of years markers associated with perimenopause. The Harvard cogitation of moods and cycles. Arch Gen Psychiatry January 2003;60:29-36

COPYRIGHT 2003 American Academy of Family Physicians

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