Prevalence and Predictors of Depressive Symptoms in Older Premenopausal Women

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Abstract
CROSS-SECTIONAL population-based studies consistently report the highest prevalence of major depression in women entering their late premenopausal years.1,2 Coincidental with these prevalence estimates was a report suggesting that women with a self-reported history of depression were at twice the risk of undergoing a natural menopause before age 47 years.3 In an effort to determine whether depression is a preceding risk factor for early cessation of menstrual periods, or a consequence of a more rapid decline in ovarian function that may precede by many years the cessation of menstrual periods, we established a cohort of premenopausal women with and without past or current major depressive disorder (the Harvard Study of Moods and Cycles). These women will be prospectively followed up through the menopausal transition. As part of the screening process to identify eligible cohort members, we had an opportunity to (1) assess the prevalence of past and current depression in a large community-based sample and (2) evaluate potential correlates of depressive symptoms, including menstrual history, demographic data, and cigarette smoking. Although some of these factors have been reportedly associated with depressive symptoms in earlier studies,4-7 they have rarely been assessed simultaneously.