Which of the following is a risk factor for depression during menopause?

• A. Severe vasomotor symptoms
• B. Regular physical activity
• C. High dietary fiber intake
• D. Young age at menopause

Answer: (A)

Severe vasomotor symptoms are tied to a higher risk of depression during menopause because they directly disrupt sleep and daily functioning. Intense hot flashes and night sweats can cause frequent awakenings, fatigue, irritability, and reduced quality of life, all of which fuel mood disturbances and depressive symptoms. This direct impact on sleep and daytime functioning makes vasomotor symptom severity the strongest and most consistent risk factor among the choices.

Regular physical activity, by contrast, tends to protect mood and can lessen vasomotor symptoms, so it’s not a risk factor. A high-fiber diet is associated with overall health benefits and isn’t a known driver of depression risk in this context. Younger age at menopause has some associations with mood changes in some studies, but the link is not as robust or direct as the connection between severe vasomotor symptoms and depression.