Researchers used genetic analysis and found that depression could be a causal factor for period pain.
ADVERTISEMENTDepression may be a causal factor of painful periods, researchers suggest in a new study.
Researchers from the UK and China used a statistical method that analyses genetic data to determine causal relationships.
The researchers found that people with depression had a 51 per cent higher likelihood of experiencing dysmenorrhea, otherwise known as painful periods, compared to those without depression.
«Our findings provide preliminary evidence that depression may be a cause, rather than a consequence, of dysmenorrhea as we did not find evidence that period pain increased the risk of depression,” Shuhe Liu, lead author of the study and a PhD student at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool Universitysaid in a statement.
The study included data from European and Asian populations on genetic variants associated with both conditions and additional analyses to validate the findings.
They identified specific genetic markers, or variations, that might contribute to both conditions.
These shared factors suggest that depression and menstrual pain may have some common biological pathways in the body, according to the authors.
Sleep issues also linked to worse period cramps
The study also examined how factors such as sleeplessness, body mass index (BMI), and endometriosis could play a part in the relationship between depression and dysmenorrhea.
Sleeplessness stood out as a significant factor: the authors suggested that the impact of depression on sleep disturbances might increase menstrual pain.
«We found that increased sleep disturbances could exacerbate menstrual pain. Addressing sleep issues may therefore be crucial in managing both conditions,” Liu said.
“However, more research is required to understand the intricate links between these factors,» she added as the study underlined the complexities of the relationship between genetics, the environment, and diseases.
“We hope this can lead to more personalised treatment options, and improved healthcare, and reduce the stigma surrounding the conditions,” she said.
