Beyond the hot flashes: how machine learning is uncovering the complexity of menopause-related depression

The transition into menopause marks a significant stage in a woman's life, indicating the end of reproductive capability. This period, encompassing perimenopause and menopause, is characterized by declining levels of estrogen and progesterone, leading to various symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, sexual dysfunction, and mood irregularities. Moreover, cognitive functions, notably memory, may decline during this phase. This exploratory study aimed to evaluate psychological factors in a sample of 98 women recruited from a diagnostic- assistance hospital pathway (AOUP). Psychological variables, including depression, anxiety, stress, sleep quality, memory, personality traits, and mindfulness, were assessed using psychometric questionnaires. Machine learning techniques were employed to identify independent variables strongly correlated with higher levels of depression measured by BDI-II. The findings revealed positive associations between depression and anxiety, stress, low mood, poor sleep quality, and memory complaints, while mindfulness showed a negative correlation. Remarkably, the machine learning analysis achieved a high classification accuracy in distinguishing between individuals with different levels of depression (low vs high). These results underscore the importance of addressing psychological factors during menopause and offer valuable insights for future research and the development of targeted clinical interventions aimed at enhancing mental health and quality of life for women during this transitional phase.