---
title: Is irregular menstrual cycle linked to thoughts of suicide? | Niyora
description: Women with irregular menstrual cycles were 1.42 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts than women with regular cycles. The association was strongest in y
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/association-between-menstrual-cycle-irregularity-and-suicidal-ideation-among-2021/
---

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- Is irregular menstrual cycle linked to thoughts of suicide?

Survey study, 2021

# Is irregular menstrual cycle linked to thoughts of suicide?

Women with irregular menstrual cycles were 1.42 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts than women with regular cycles. The association was strongest in younger women, those who started their period early, and those who were employed.

 Moderate study design

5,606 Korean women surveyed in 2010-2012

## What they did

A cross-sectional survey of 5,606 Korean women asked about menstrual cycle regularity, suicidal thoughts, age, income, education, smoking, drinking, physical activity, and age at first period.

## What they found

Women with irregular menstrual cycles were 1.42 times more likely to report suicidal thoughts compared to women with regular cycles. The association was particularly strong in women aged 12 to 29 years, those who had their first period between ages 8-13, and those who were currently employed.

## What it means for you

There is a link between menstrual cycle irregularity and suicidal thoughts, particularly in younger women. However, because this is a one-time survey and participants self-reported symptoms, we cannot know whether irregular cycles cause suicidal thoughts or whether something else causes both.

5,606

women surveyed

1.42 times

more likely to have suicidal thoughts

ages 12-29

strongest association in this age group

## About the study

Original title Association between menstrual cycle irregularity and suicidal ideation among Korean women: Results from the Korea national health and nutrition examination survey (2010-2012) Authors Park M, Jung SJ Journal Journal of affective disorders Year 2021 Study design Survey study Participants 5,606 Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.06.052](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.06.052)

## Topics

[Suicidality](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-suicidality/)[Diet and nutrition](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-diet/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)[Adolescents and young people](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-adolescents/)

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