The effect of tryptophan and serotonin levels on the severity of depressive and climacteric symptoms in perimenopausal women

D. Schneider-Matyka, E. Grochans, A. Lubkowska, M. Panczyk, M. Szkup

Department of Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland. szkup.m1@gmail.com

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• Gynecology

OBJECTIVE: The dysfunctional serotonergic system is a factor contributing to the development of depression. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of serotonin and tryptophan on the severity of climacteric and depressive symptoms in perimenopausal women.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study involved data collection and biochemical analysis. The research instruments were: the Blatt-Kuppermann index, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the proprietary questionnaire.

RESULTS: There was no significant effect of tryptophan (r=0.05; p=0.219) and serotonin (r= -0.03; p=0.537) on the severity of depressive symptoms, or tryptophan on the severity of climacteric symptoms (r=0.019; p=0.657). However, a weak negative correlation was found between the level of serotonin and the severity of climacteric symptoms (r=-0.09; p=0.022). Additionally, it was found that severe depressive symptoms were associated with a significant exacerbation of climacteric symptoms (β=0.379; p<0.001), while higher serotonin levels alleviated them (β=-0.604; p=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS: Higher severity of depressive symptoms may exacerbate climacteric symptoms. Serotonin levels may influence the severity of climacteric symptoms. Moreover, the higher the serotonin level, the lower the odds of depressive disorders, irrespective of the severity of climacteric symptoms. Tryptophan levels had no effect on the severity of depressive and climacteric symptoms in the perimenopausal women.

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