Survey study, 2010
Is suicide risk higher at certain times in the menstrual cycle?
Suicide attempts were more likely during menstruation. Women whose attempts occurred when estrogen and progesterone were lowest reported greater severity of suicide intent.
What they did
Assessed 431 women within 24 hours of a suicide attempt and measured their hormone levels and the severity of their suicidal intent. Among the 281 women who were still fertile, they compared the timing of suicide attempts across menstrual phases.
What they found
Among fertile women, 26% of suicide attempts occurred during menstruation compared to 15% expected by chance. Women whose attempts occurred during low estradiol and low progesterone states (menstrual phase, amenorrhea, or menopause) reported greater severity of suicide intent compared to women whose attempts occurred during other phases.
What it means for you
Low hormone levels during menstruation may be associated with increased suicide risk and more serious attempts. This is important but has a major limitation: women were assessed after the attempt, not before, so we cannot prove that hormones caused the attempts. The study only included women who had attempted suicide, so findings may not apply beyond this group.
431
women assessed
281
fertile women
26%
of attempts during menstruation (vs 15% expected)
About the study
- Original title
- Suicide attempts among women during low estradiol/low progesterone states
- Authors
- Baca-Garcia E, Diaz-Sastre C, Ceverino A et al.
- Journal
- Journal of psychiatric research
- Year
- 2010
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 431
- What was tested
- Assessment of hormones and suicide intent timing relative to menstrual cycle phase
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2009.08.004