The diagnosis of premature menopause can be life-altering, with profound physical, psychological, and social consequences. Women affected by this condition not only experience the effects of estrogen deficiency but also face the unanticipated loss of reproductive function. However, some women are more adversely impacted by these changes than others. A new study has shed light on the reasons behind these differences, revealing a hidden depression crisis in early menopause.

Premature menopause, medically known as premature or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), is a condition where the ovaries cease to function normally before the age of 40. This condition has been linked to an elevated lifetime risk for depression and anxiety. A recent meta-analysis revealed that women with POI are three times more likely to experience depression and nearly five times more likely to suffer from anxiety compared to those without the condition.

The increased risk is understandable, given the combined experience of infertility and the additional burdens resulting from estrogen deficiency, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, reduced bone mineral density, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. For some women, infertility means altered life goals, loss of sense of control, social stigma, and disrupted social roles.

However, not all women experience depression or the same level of depression when presented with the same diagnosis. In this new study, researchers gathered data from nearly 350 women with POI to identify specific variables that contribute to the likelihood of depressive symptoms. Their findings revealed a high prevalence of depression among participants, with nearly one-third (29.9%) of the women suffering from depressive symptoms.

The researchers also found that a younger age at POI diagnosis, severe menopause symptoms, fertility-related grief, and lack of emotional support were risk factors for depressive symptoms. Interestingly, a genetic cause for POI was associated with lower depressive symptoms. Another unexpected result was that hot flashes (specifically night sweats) were not independently associated with depressive symptoms.

This is the first large-scale study to investigate specific variables associated with depressive symptoms in women with POI. The researchers believe their results highlight the importance of comprehensive care addressing both physical and psychological aspects of menopause at an early age.

The high prevalence of depressive symptoms in those with POI highlights the importance of routine screening in this vulnerable population. Although hormone therapy is recognized as the standard of care for managing some menopause-related symptoms and preventive care, it is not a first-line treatment for mood disorders. Addressing behavioral-health concerns with evidence-based interventions should be part of any comprehensive POI care plan.

As Dr. Monica Christmas, associate medical director for The Menopause Society, notes, “The hidden depression crisis in early menopause requires attention from healthcare providers and policymakers to ensure that women receive the necessary support and care to manage their mental health and overall well-being.”

The study, presented at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting, has made a groundbreaking discovery about the profound impact of weight-loss surgery on patients’ self-esteem. Researchers from Geisinger Medical Center found that within one year of undergoing bariatric surgery, participants experienced a staggering 131% increase in their self-esteem scores.

The study involved a database of 5,749 patients aged 18 and older with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more who had undergone metabolic and bariatric surgery between 2006 and 2019. The participants completed the Impact of Weight Quality of Life (iwQOL) survey before and 12 months after their operation to assess weight stigma and quality of life.

The results showed that self-esteem scores rose from an average of 33.6 to 77.5, a more than 40-point increase on a scale from 0 to 100. The study also found that the amount of weight loss was directly correlated with the increase in self-esteem, regardless of demographics such as gender, age, and race or type of bariatric procedure.

Justin Dhyani, MD, a co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of understanding weight stigma and psychosocial factors associated with obesity. “While these factors should not dictate the decision to have bariatric surgery, they should be an important part of the conversation,” he said.

Ann M. Rogers, MD, FACS, FASMBS, President of ASMBS, added that weight stigma is a serious issue that places an extra psychological burden on patients struggling with obesity. “This study shows we need to understand what patients are going through and be supportive and empowering of them as they navigate their health and make decisions about treatment,” she said.

The findings of this study have significant implications for the holistic care of patients with obesity, highlighting the importance of addressing weight stigma and psychosocial factors in conjunction with medical treatment. By providing supportive and empowering care, healthcare professionals can help patients achieve a better quality of life and overcome the challenges associated with obesity.

Research has discovered that men who carry a common genetic variant are twice as likely to develop dementia in their lifetime compared to women. This groundbreaking study, published in Neurology, used data from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial to investigate whether people with variants in the haemochromatosis (HFE) gene might be at increased risk of dementia.

One in three people carry one copy of the H63D variant, while one in 36 carry two copies. Having just one copy of this gene variant does not impact someone’s health or increase their risk of dementia. However, having two copies of the variant more than doubled the risk of dementia in men, but not women.

The researchers emphasize that the genetic variant itself cannot be changed, but the brain pathways affected by it could potentially be treated if we understood more about it. Further research is needed to investigate why this genetic variant increased the risk of dementia for males but not females.

The findings suggest that perhaps testing for the HFE gene could be offered to men more broadly, considering its routine testing in most Western countries, including Australia, when assessing people for haemochromatosis – a disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron. The study found no direct link between iron levels in the blood and increased dementia risk in affected men.

This points to other mechanisms at play, possibly involving the increased risk of brain injury from inflammation and cell damage in the body. Understanding why men with the double H63D variant are at higher risk could pave the way for more personalized approaches to prevention and treatment.

The ASPREE trial was a groundbreaking study that created a treasure trove of healthy ageing data, which has underpinned a wealth of research studies. This collaboration between Curtin University, Monash University, The University of Melbourne, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, and Fiona Stanley Hospital demonstrates the importance of diverse Australian research groups working together to improve health outcomes for people around the world.

The implications of this study are significant, considering that more than 400,000 Australians are currently living with dementia, with around a third of those being men. This discovery could lead to improved outcomes for people at risk of developing dementia and ultimately contribute to a better understanding of these progressive diseases.