Can Early Menopause Increase Risk of Depression?

Summary: Yes, early menopause can increase risk of depression. Previous research establishes connections between early menopause and various physical and emotional challenges, while a new study explores the connection between early menopause and depression.

Key Points:

• Early menopause occurs in about 1% of women before age 40 and 0.1% of women before age 30.
• Menopause typically appears between ages 45-55, with average age of onset around age 51-52

The presence of hot flashes – “specifically night sweats” – was not associated with increased risk of depression for women with early menopause.

• Early menopause is associated with increased risk of certain physical illnesses/diseases and significant emotional and social distress
• Clinicians recommend a multidisciplinary approach to supporting women with early menopause and depression

What is Early Menopause?

Complete agreement among medical professionals on what to call early onset menopause doesn’t exist. In this article – based on the sources we cite throughout – we’ll use the medical term/diagnosis premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and early menopause interchangeably.

Here’s the medical definition of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI):

“Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), also known as premature menopause or [formerly] premature ovarian failure, is a condition in which the ovaries cease to function normally before the age of 40.”

Experts on women’s health and menopause identify the following outcomes – aside from decreased/end of fertility – associated with POI:

• Physical changes: increased risk of osteoporosis, increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, increased risk of dementia, increased risk of Parkinson’s Disease, increased risk of premature mortality.
• Emotional changes: increased symptoms associated with anxiety, increase in symptoms associated with depressive disorders.
• Social changes: avoidance of social situations, relationship strain with family, friends, partners, increased self-isolation

That’s what early menopause, or POI, is and a short list of outcomes associated with POI. There’s an abundance of research on the physical consequences of early menopause, but not a significant amount of research about whether early menopause can increase depression risk – until now.

Eary Menopause and Depression Risk: New Developments in Research

In 2025, a group of researchers in Finland published a study called “Depressive Symptoms in Women With Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): A Cross-Sectional Observational Study” with this core research goal:

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

To assess whether early menopause can increase risk of depression, researchers analyzed records from patients at a women’s health clinic in Finland between 2020 and 2023. A total of 345 women with early menopause were included in the study.

To assess the severity of POI/early menopause symptoms, clinicians administered the Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS). To identify the presence of depressive symptoms, clinicians administered the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BD-II). For general levels of emotional support, clinicians administered Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) questionnaires. To assess emotional problems associated with decreased fertility, clinicians administered the Fertility Quality of Life Tool (FertiQoL).

Here’s what they found.

Early Menopause and Depression Risk: Outcomes

Among the 345 women with POI/early menopause:

• Reported depressive symptoms: 29.9%
• No depressive symptoms: 70.1%

Potential confounding factors:

• Estrogen plus progestogen therapy (EPT): 42.3% received EPT, but EPT did not increase depression risk

Factors that increased risk of depression:

• Younger age at POI diagnosis
• Severe symptoms of menopause as measured by the GCS symptoms
• Fertility-related grief
• Absence/low emotional support as measured by PROMIS

Here’s how Dr. Monica Christmas, of the Menopause Society describes these results:

“The high prevalence of depressive symptoms in those with POI highlights the importance of routine screening in this vulnerable population. Addressing behavioral-health concerns with evidence-based interventions should be part of any comprehensive POI care plan.”

In closing, we’ll review which types of evidence-based interventions that can help women with early menopause/POI.

Treatment for Depression Associated with Early Menopause

Th study authors recommend a comprehensive, multimodal approach to supporting women with early menopause and mental health disorders such as depression. Modes of support should include:

• Modes of psychotherapy effective for depression include:
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy(DBT)
  • Acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT)
  • Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)
• Effective medications for depression include:
  • Antidepressants
  • Mood stabilizers

In addition, lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, stress management with mindfulness/yoga, sleep hygiene, and daily exercise and activity can help restore balance and reduce depressive symptoms. We encourage any woman with early menopause/premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) – especially those who experience changes in emotion around onset – to seek screening for depression from their primary care physician, or a specialized mental health professional.