Depressive symptoms in women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI): a cross-sectional observational study.

OBJECTIVE

To explore associations between clinical and patient-reported variables and depressive symptoms in women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).

METHODS

An exploratory cross-sectional observational study was conducted using data from the center of expertise for women with POI, Erasmus MC, the Netherlands. To identify variables associated with depressive symptoms, as assessed by patient and clinician-reported outcome measures, we used logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Between April 2020 and December 2023, 345 women with POI were included. In this cohort, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 29.9%. No significant difference was found in depressive symptoms between women using estrogen plus progestogen therapy (EPT) (41.7%) and those not using EPT (42.6%, P =0.89). Younger age at diagnosis ( P =0.01), POI due to a genetic cause ( P =0.04), severe menopausal symptoms ( P <0.001), and lack of emotional support ( P <0.001) were independently associated with depressive symptoms. The use of EPT or levels of estradiol were not associated with depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The high prevalence of depressive symptoms among women with POI underscores a need for targeted mental health support. Our findings highlight that younger age at diagnosis, severe menopausal symptoms, and fertility-related grief are associated with depression in this population. Given that estradiol levels did not correlate with depressive symptoms, this suggests that psychosocial factors are crucial. Psychological interventions should focus on these factors to address the unique needs of this population.