Research results show that women who have experienced menstrual disorders such as dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome are more likely to experience depression. The influence during adolescence was particularly pronounced.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency noted that research findings of this nature had been published in the Journal of Korean Medical Science on the 17th.
Menstrual disorders are the most common gynecological problem among women of reproductive age, with major symptoms including dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, abnormal uterine bleeding (such as heavy or light menstruation), and amenorrhea. Beyond simple physical discomfort, these disorders affect studies, work, and overall daily life, diminishing the quality of life.
While the exact cause of depression is unknown, it is believed that women are more vulnerable than Namsung. Research has also reported a connection between menstrual disorders and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, and stress.
Recently, the prevalence of menstrual disorders among Korean women has been increasing, but there has been little research conducted on the issue. The National Health Research Institute has embarked on a study analyzing the relationship between the severity of menstrual disorders and depressive symptoms among women of reproductive age.
The institute analyzed the correlation between menstrual disorders and depressive symptoms among 3,088 women aged 13 to 55 in Korea, utilizing data from the 2022 'Korean Women's Lifecyle Sexual and Reproductive Health Survey'.
As a result, 91% of the overall participants experienced menstrual disorders, and among them, 57% experienced severe symptoms. Menstrual disorders included dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, and abnormal uterine bleeding.
Women who experienced severe symptoms had a higher rate of experiencing depressive feelings compared to other women. By symptom, dysmenorrhea was 1.6 times, premenstrual syndrome was 2.0 times, and abnormal uterine bleeding was 1.4 times more prevalent.
The greater the number of severe menstrual disorder symptoms experienced, the higher the rate of depressive feelings. When only one symptom was experienced, it was 1.6 times; with two symptoms, it was 2.0 times; and with three or more symptoms, it was 2.1 times higher.
This trend was even more pronounced during adolescence (ages 13 to 18). Experiencing one severe symptom increased depressive feelings by 1.8 times, while having three or more increased it to about 2.8 times, which is higher than the rate for adult women (1.9 times).
Park Hyun-young, head of the National Health Research Institute, said that menstrual-related symptoms should be recognized as an important health issue that can affect women's mental health rather than simply a physiological discomfort. She added that the institute will continue nationwide surveys through women's health research projects to assess the status of sexual and reproductive health and major issues.
References
JKMS(2025), DOI: https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e123