Dysmenorrhea increased the risk of postpartum depression in Chinese Han parturients Original paper

Researched by:

  • Divine Aleru ID
    Divine Aleru

    User avatarI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.

    Read More

July 28, 2025

  • Women’s Health
    Women’s Health

    Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.

  • Primary Dysmenorrhea
    Primary Dysmenorrhea

    Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is painful menstrual cramps without underlying pelvic pathology, predominantly caused by elevated prostaglandins inducing uterine contractions and ischemia. Managing primary dysmenorrhea (PD) requires understanding its complex mechanisms involving prostaglandins, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Treatments include NSAIDs, hormonal therapies, and promising complementary options like probiotics, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, exercise, yoga, acupuncture, and massage, significantly improving women's quality of life.

  • Postpartum Depression (PPD)
    Postpartum Depression (PPD)

    Postpartum depression (PPD) affects many new mothers, influencing emotional, mental, and physical well-being. The gut microbiome, hormones, diet, and exercise all play a significant role in the onset, severity, and management of PPD. Early intervention, including probiotics, dietary changes, and therapy, can effectively alleviate symptoms and improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Researched by:

  • Divine Aleru ID
    Divine Aleru

    User avatarI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.

    Read More

Last Updated: 2025-07-25

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Divine Aleru

I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.

What was studied?

This study explores the relationship between dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and the risk of postpartum depression (PPD) among Chinese women. It specifically examines whether a history of dysmenorrhea increases the likelihood of developing PPD after childbirth. The research involved a case-control study of women who delivered at Baoan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shenzhen, China. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess postpartum depression, while logistic regression models were employed to analyze the relationship between dysmenorrhea and PPD, adjusting for various socio-demographic and pregnancy-related factors.

Who was studied?

The study included 360 women, with 120 diagnosed with PPD and 240 healthy controls who did not show signs of postpartum depression. All participants were parturients who gave birth between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2016, at the hospital. These women were between 18 and 45 years old and were screened for PPD six weeks postpartum using the EPDS. The study aimed to evaluate the role of dysmenorrhea in the development of PPD, considering other factors such as age, education level, employment status, and prior mental health history. Importantly, the study also focused on the psychological aspects of postpartum care, with participants asked about their experience of dysmenorrhea prior to pregnancy.

Most important findings

The study found a significant association between dysmenorrhea and an increased risk of postpartum depression. Among the participants, 64.2% of women with PPD reported a history of dysmenorrhea, compared to 47.9% of women without PPD. The odds ratio (OR) for dysmenorrhea being associated with PPD was 1.95 in univariate analysis, and after adjusting for socio-demographic and pregnancy-related factors, the OR was 2.45, indicating a significantly higher risk. The study also found that women with dysmenorrhea during pregnancy were more likely to experience depression and anxiety during pregnancy, which may contribute to the development of PPD. Moreover, dysmenorrhea was correlated with low social support, further exacerbating the risk of PPD.

Key implications

The findings suggest that dysmenorrhea should be considered a potential risk factor for postpartum depression, especially for women who experience severe menstrual pain. Clinicians should be vigilant in screening for PPD among women with a history of dysmenorrhea, as early intervention may reduce the risk of developing postpartum mental health issues. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of improving social support systems for women with dysmenorrhea to mitigate the mental health risks associated with both dysmenorrhea and PPD.

Primary Dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is painful menstrual cramps without underlying pelvic pathology, predominantly caused by elevated prostaglandins inducing uterine contractions and ischemia. Managing primary dysmenorrhea (PD) requires understanding its complex mechanisms involving prostaglandins, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Treatments include NSAIDs, hormonal therapies, and promising complementary options like probiotics, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, exercise, yoga, acupuncture, and massage, significantly improving women's quality of life.

Postpartum Depression (PPD)

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects many new mothers, influencing emotional, mental, and physical well-being. The gut microbiome, hormones, diet, and exercise all play a significant role in the onset, severity, and management of PPD. Early intervention, including probiotics, dietary changes, and therapy, can effectively alleviate symptoms and improve maternal and child health outcomes.

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