The Relationship Between Menopausal Status and Depression in U.S. Women: Insights from the NHANES 2017–March 2020 Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: This study harnessed cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–March 2020 to examine the relationship between menopausal status and depression among U.S. women.

Methods: Data from NHANES 2017–March 2020 were used for this cross-sectional analysis. Robust statistical approaches, including univariate and multivariate logistic regression, were applied, and subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the stability of the findings.

Results: Women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and early menopause showed a higher likelihood of depression compared with non-menopausal women (POI: odds ratio (OR) = 1.59, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.07–2.35; Early menopause: OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.06–2.76). Among these groups, women whose age at last delivery was under 35 years demonstrated an ever greater vulnerability to depression (POI: OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.07–2.43; Early menopause: OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.11–3.02). In postmenopausal women, moderate-intensity activity (≥150 minutes per week) was associated with increased odds of depressive symptoms (Overall moderate-to-vigorous physical activity: OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.08–3.34; moderate-to-vigorous recreational activity: OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.06–4.44). This association was not statistically significant among postmenopausal women engaging in insufficient moderate-intensity physical activity.

Conclusion: These findings support a significant association between POI and early menopause and depression in U.S. women, particularly among those whose age at last delivery was below 35 years.