Premature ovarian failure and depression linked to higher mortality
All-cause mortality was higher with premature ovarian failure (adjusted hazard ratio 2.50), depression (1.64), and both conditions combined (5.04) versus neither.
Menopause
In an observational study of 4,754 postmenopausal U.S. women aged 40 and older, researchers examined how premature ovarian failure and depression relate to long-term mortality. The team analyzed National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2005 to 2018 linked to mortality records through 2019. Premature ovarian failure was defined as a final menstrual period before age 40, and depression was identified by a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score of 10 or higher. Compared with having neither condition, premature ovarian failure alone was associated with higher all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 2.50; 95% CI: 1.72-3.64), as was depression alone (aHR 1.64; 95% CI: 1.14-2.38). Women with both conditions had the highest observed risk (aHR 5.04; 95% CI: 2.18-11.62). Exploratory analyses showed a similar direction of association for cardiovascular mortality.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that early cessation of ovarian function and depressive symptoms may jointly influence longevity in females. Understanding these compounding factors could help clarify how endocrine aging and mental health intersect to influence late-life survival.
Caveats
The analysis relied on observational survey data with an outcome for depression defined by a questionnaire, and the findings for cardiovascular mortality were exploratory because of limited event numbers.
The paper
Chi Mei Medical Center
Menopause · 29 Sep 2026