Significant Increase in Depression in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Cumulative Analysis

Abstract

Women with primary dysmenorrhea are vulnerable to develop a depressive disorder, which is a common form of psycho-disturbance. However, clinical findings are inconsistent across studies, and the evidence has not been previously synthesized. This study aims to investigate whether primary dysmenorrhea is associated with a higher risk of depression via a cumulative analysis. Four electronic databases were systematically searched for the eligible studies. The combined effect was assessed by analyzing the relative risk (RR) and standard mean differences (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). This cumulative analysis was registered on the PROSPERO (ID: CRD42020169601). Of 972 publications, a total of 10 studies involving 4,691 participants were included. Pooled results from six included studies showed that primary dysmenorrhea was associated with a significant depressive disorder (RR = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.44 to 2.0, P < 0.001; heterogeneity: I2 = 0%, P = 0.544). In addition, synthesis results from two studies provided the BDI scores suggested that dysmenorrhea had significantly higher scores when compared to non-dysmenorrhea (SMD = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.31–0.62, P < 0.001; heterogeneity: I2 = 0%, P = 0.518). However, in the two studies providing the PROMIS T-Score, the pooled result showed that there was no significant difference between women with dysmenorrhea and those without dysmenorrhea (P = 0.466). The overall quality of the evidence in our study was judged to MODERATE. The present study has confirmed the positive relationship between primary dysmenorrhea and depression. Social supports and medical help from pain management physicians or psychologists are important interventions for women with dysmenorrhea-suffering depressive disorder.

COVID-19-Associated Mental Health Impact on Menstrual Function Aspects: Dysmenorrhea and Premenstrual Syndrome, and Genitourinary Tract Health: A Cross Sectional Study among Jordanian Medical Students

“…However, the previous studies examining the association between dysmenorrhea and mental disorders showed inconsistent findings. Kabukçu et al [35], Westling et al [36], Zhao et al [37], and Gagua et al [38] have reported that dysmenorrhea severity is associated with a higher incidence of depression, anxiety, and stress disorders. Conversely, László et al [39] showed no significant correlations between dysmenorrhea and higher incidence of psychological disorders, whereas Namvar et al [40] reported that women with no dysmenorrhea exhibited higher anxiety symptoms than women with dysmenorrhea, and higher depression scores among women with dysmenorrhea than those without dysmenorrhea were reported.…”

Metabonomic Study of the Effect of Dingkundan Intervention Comparing with Oral Contraceptives on Primary Dysmenorrhea Using the UPLC-MS Technique

“…It is widely accepted that oral contraceptives could manage menstrual pain by suppressing ovulation and endometrial ) is metabolized in PC synthesis and the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway, and disturbance of the latter is associated with depression. Recent studies revealed that serum levels of PC (16:0/16) were elevated in antenatal depression and showed a positive trending correlation with depression scores [11][12][13]. Abundant evidence has uncovered psychological risk factors associated with PD, including depression and anxiety, and psychotherapy inter-ventions are considered effective in PD accordingly [14,15].…”

Can taping reduce menstrual pain, distress, and anxiety? A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…In addition, the present review reports moderate quality evidence that suggests KT may be effective on anxiety during dysmenorrhea. This is of significance as the presence of anxiety or related psychological stress in women relates to exacerbation of dysmenorrhea and vice versa [30,31]. Persistent pain could also result in development of stress, and related somatic symptom disorders in women with PD [32].…”