B4396 - Heavy and painful menstrual periods and their impact on depressive symptoms across the lifecourse - 23/08/2023
B number:
B4396
Principal applicant name:
Gemma Sharp | University of Exeter
Co-applicants:
Professor Abi Fraser, Professor Laura Howe
Title of project:
Heavy and painful menstrual periods and their impact on depressive symptoms across the lifecourse
Proposal summary:
Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and menstrual pain (MP) can have a significant negative impact on financial, social, physical and mental wellbeing. Yet people often present late and their symptoms are dismissed. This study will reveal who is at risk of these problematic menstrual symptoms, when they are experienced throughout the lifecourse, and how they might affect depressive symptoms. The findings will inform the prediction of HMB and MP to ensure appropriate management, as well as new ways to predict, prevent, and treat adverse effects of these problematic menstrual symptoms on mental health.
Impact of research:
We will provide robust evidence to inform new ways to predict HMB/MP and predict/prevent/treat adverse effects on depressive symptoms. This information can guide GPs and clinical psychologists, stratify patients by risk, and develop interventions for menstrual and mental health. Ultimately, this will help improve the health, wellbeing, and social, educational and workplace participation of people who menstruate, and reduce gender-based health and social inequalities.
Date proposal received:
Monday, 14 August, 2023
Date proposal approved:
Tuesday, 22 August, 2023
Keywords:
Epidemiology, Menstrual health, GWAS, Genetic epidemiology, Genome wide association study, Mendelian randomisation, Mothers - maternal age, menopause, obstetrics, Methods - e.g. cross cohort analysis, data mining, mendelian randomisation, etc.