Study Links Depression to Increased Menstrual Pain Through Genetic Pathways

New research suggests depression may play a causal role in menstrual pain, emphasizing the importance of mental health in addressing reproductive issues.

Researchers found evidence that depression likely causes menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) rather than the reverse, based on genetic analysis.
The study analyzed data from over 600,000 individuals in European and East Asian populations, identifying key genetic links between the two conditions.
Sleep disturbances, often associated with depression, were found to exacerbate menstrual pain, highlighting the need to address sleep issues in treatment plans.
The findings call for mental health screenings in patients with severe menstrual pain to develop more holistic and personalized treatment approaches.
The study emphasizes the interconnectedness of mental and reproductive health, identifying shared biological pathways such as the hypothalamic-pituitary axes.