New Delhi: A new study reveals that women suffering from depression are more likely to experience menstrual pain, medically known as dysmenorrhea. Conducted by researchers from China and the UK, the findings were published in the journal Briefings in Bioinformatics on Wednesday.
Depression is known to affect women at twice the rate of men, often accompanied by more severe physical symptoms. Despite evidence connecting mental and reproductive health, these associations have been relatively underexplored.
To investigate further, researchers analyzed genetic variations to identify specific genes potentially linking depression to menstrual pain. The study, led by Shuhe Liu, a doctoral student at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), China, suggests that depression may be a causal factor for dysmenorrhea rather than a consequence.
The research examined data from approximately 600,000 individuals of European descent and 8,000 from East Asian populations, identifying a strong link in both groups. The study also delved into the role of sleeplessness—a common issue among those with depression—as a mediator between depression and menstrual pain. Results showed that sleep disturbances could worsen dysmenorrhea, highlighting the importance of addressing sleep issues in managing both conditions.
The researchers emphasized the need for a holistic approach to treating mental health and reproductive issues, noting that mental health is often overlooked in cases of severe menstrual pain. “Mental disorders are often not considered when treating conditions such as period pain,” Liu told IANS, underscoring the importance of mental health screening for individuals suffering from dysmenorrhea.
While the findings are significant, the researchers called for additional studies to strengthen the understanding of the link. They believe the results could pave the way for more personalized treatment approaches, improved healthcare practices, and a reduction in stigma surrounding both depression and menstrual pain.
The study offers critical insights into the complex interplay between mental and reproductive health, encouraging a more integrated approach to managing these conditions and improving outcomes for affected women.