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Depression (Mood disorder)

Premature Menopause Linked to Poorer Cognitive Function in Chinese Women

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China have uncovered a significant association between premature menopausal age and poorer cognitive function in Chinese postmenopausal women. The study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, found that premature and early menopause were linked to lower average cognitive function, with depressive symptoms partially mediating this relationship. The findings suggest that addressing depressive symptoms may be crucial in mitigating the cognitive decline associated with premature menopause.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included 7768 postmenopausal women from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), with a median follow-up time of 7.17 years.
  • 5.9% of participants experienced menopause before age 40, 12.4% between 41 and 45, and 81.7% after age 46.
  • Premature menopausal age (40 years) and early menopausal age (41-45 years) were associated with poorer average cognitive function (b = -0.433, 95%CI: -0.743, -0.123 and b = -0.822, 95%CI: -1.260, -0.383, respectively).
  • Depressive symptoms mediated the association between premature menopausal age and cognitive function (8.72%, indirect effect = -0.072, 95%CI: -0.122, -0.021).
  • The study's findings suggest that addressing depressive symptoms may be crucial in mitigating cognitive decline associated with premature menopause.

Statistics:

  • 5.9% of participants experienced menopause before age 40.
  • 12.4% of participants experienced menopause between 41 and 45 years.
  • 81.7% of participants experienced menopause after age 46.
  • The median follow-up time was 7.17 years (ranging from 2 to 9 years).
  • 7768 postmenopausal women were included in the study.

Sources:

  • Unveiling the link between menopausal age and cognitive decline in Chinese women: The role of depressive symptoms. Journal of Affective Disorders, 2025:120444.
  • NewsRx. Investigators at University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Report New Data on Menopause (Unveiling the link between menopausal age and cognitive decline in Chinese women: The role of depressive symptoms). OBGYN & Reproduction Week. October 27, 2025; p 344.

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