Is early menarche related to depression? A meta-analysis

The evidence for an association between early menarche and depression is inconsistent. We therefore performed a meta-analysis to examine this association.

The protocol for the current study was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with registration number CRD42023483591. We searched several databases up to 17 June 2024. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled effect sizes.

A total of 22 studies involving 87,798 participants were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) scores of the 22 studies ranged from 4 to 8, with a median score of 6. Depression scores and depression incidence were significantly higher in the early menarche group than in the non-early menarche group (Standardized Mean Difference: 0.13, 95 % CI: 0.04, 0.21; OR: 1.37, 95 % CI: 1.23, 1.52). However, moderate heterogeneity was observed (depression scores: I² = 54 %, p = 0.03; depression incidence: I² = 61 %, p = 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed that depression scores were significantly associated with study type (cohort studies: I² = 57 %, p = 0.071; case-control studies: I² = 61 %, p = 0.051) and study quality (≥ 6: I² = 58 %, p = 0.065; < 6: I² = 62 %, p = 0.052).

This meta-analysis revealed that early menarche was associated with depression. Parents, schools and health care providers should monitor the emotions of girls who experience menarche at an earlier age.