Depressive Symptoms Common for Women With Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

TUESDAY, July 22, 2025 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of depressive symptoms is high among women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), according to a study published online July 16 in Menopause.

Charissa van Zwol-Janssens, M.D., from the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and colleagues conducted an exploratory cross-sectional observational study to examine associations between clinical and patient-reported outcome measures and depressive symptoms in women with POI. The analysis included 345 women with POI.

The researchers found that the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 29.9 percent. There were no significant differences in depressive symptoms between women using estrogen plus progestogen therapy (EPT; 41.7 percent) and those not using EPT (42.6 percent). There was an independent association seen for younger age at diagnosis, POI due to a genetic cause, severe menopausal symptoms, and lack of emotional support with depressive symptoms. There was no association observed between use of EPT or levels of estradiol and depressive symptoms. 

“The high prevalence of depressive symptoms in those with POI highlights the importance of routine screening in this vulnerable population,” Monica Christmas, M.D., associate medical director for The Menopause Society, said in a statement. “Although hormone therapy is recognized as the standard of care for those with POI for management of some menopause-related symptoms and preventive care, it is not first-line treatment for mood disorders. Addressing behavioral health concerns with evidence-based interventions should be part of any comprehensive POI care plan.”

Several authors disclosed ties to the pharmaceutical and diagnostic industries.

Abstract/Full Text