Survey study, 2026
Do suicidal thoughts change across the menstrual cycle?
The study found no clear pattern of suicidal thoughts changing with cycle phases. However, feelings like depression, anger, and irritability (which do vary across the cycle) were linked to suicidal thoughts.
What they did
Study of 46 women with recent suicidal thoughts and ongoing mental health care. They tracked their menstrual cycle phases and reported daily for 2 months on suicidal thoughts, fearlessness about death, depression, anger, and irritability.
What they found
Fearlessness about death was stable across the menstrual cycle and did not change by cycle day or phase. However, it was significantly linked to daily depression, anger, irritability, and passive suicidal thoughts. The findings suggest that mood changes, not menstrual cycle hormones directly, drive suicidal thoughts.
What it means for you
Suicidal thoughts may not directly follow menstrual cycle patterns, but mood changes during the cycle are still connected to suicidal feelings. The study is very small (only 46 women) and included only those with active suicidal thoughts and mental health care. It excluded women with PMDD. Results may not apply to other groups.
46
Sample size
2
Study duration in months
About the study
- Original title
- Examining Suicidal Ideation and Capability Across the Menstrual Cycle
- Authors
- Law KC, O'Connell KL, Barone JC et al.
- Journal
- Suicide & life-threatening behavior
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 46
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/sltb.70084
Topics
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