High levels of physical activity are associated with a reduced likelihood of depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women

Depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women are a significant concern, but studies evaluated their relationship with menopausal symptoms and physical activity are limited. This cross-sectional study used the scale of the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the modified Kupperman Index (KMI) to investigate the relationship between depressive symptoms, menopausal symptoms, and physical activity in postmenopausal women in Hunan Province, using cluster random sampling, and face-to-face interviews with women aged 50–64 years. The moderate (aOR = 2.242, 95 percent CI [1.646–3.052], P < .001) and severe menopausal symptoms (aOR = 3.654, 95 percent CI [1.754–7.611], P = .001), and low-level physical activity (aOR = 1.380, 95 percentCI [1.023–1.826], P = .035) may increase the risk of depressive symptoms. High levels of physical activity were associated with a decreased likelihood of depressive symptoms, but only when participants had no complaints of menopausal symptoms (aOR = 0.375, 95 percent CI [0.161–0.877], P = .024). This study provides a new result for the mental health of postmenopausal women and provides a reference for further related research.