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Study Summary: Association Between Reproductive Lifespan and Depression in Older Women
Background
The study aimed to investigate the link between reproductive lifespan and depression in older women, taking into account the age at menarche and age at menopause.
Methods
- Used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2005 and 2018.
- Reproductive lifespan was defined as years from age at menarche to age at menopause.
- Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).
- Utilized multivariable logistic regression models to explore the relationship between reproductive lifespan, age at menarche, age at menopause, and depression.
Results
- 2947 patients aged 60 and above were enrolled, with 241 individuals (8.18%) diagnosed with depression.
- Shorter reproductive lifespan and earlier age at menopause were significantly correlated with higher odds of depression.
- Subgroup analysis and interaction tests confirmed the association.
Limitations
The cross-sectional nature of the study prevents drawing conclusions about causality.
Conclusion
The study suggests that older U.S. women with a shorter reproductive lifespan or an earlier age at menopause are more likely to experience depressive symptoms. Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to fully understand the role of reproductive lifespan and age at menopause in depression.
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