--- title: Is suicide risk linked to the menstrual cycle? | Niyora description: Women were more likely to attempt suicide during the follicular phase (early cycle). The reason is unclear, though low estrogen and progesterone in this phase url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-possible-factors-affecting-suicide-attempts-in-the-different-phases-of-the-2004/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Is suicide risk linked to the menstrual cycle? Survey study, 2004 # Is suicide risk linked to the menstrual cycle? Women were more likely to attempt suicide during the follicular phase (early cycle). The reason is unclear, though low estrogen and progesterone in this phase may play a role, but hormones alone do not explain it. Early or limited evidence 52 women admitted to the emergency room after attempting suicide ## What they did Researchers studied 52 women admitted to the emergency room after attempting suicide. They looked at which phase of the menstrual cycle each woman was in, her background, and her hormone levels. They compared hormone levels to a healthy control group. ## What they found Suicide attempts happened more often in the menstrual follicular phase than in other phases. However, there was no clear difference in background or hormone levels between women who attempted suicide in the follicular phase versus other phases. Hormone levels were the same as in healthy women. ## What it means for you The study found a pattern linking menstrual cycle phase to suicide attempts, but could not explain why. Low hormone levels may be involved, but are not the only factor. The findings are limited because the study was small and only included women who came to hospital after an attempt. 52 women studied ## About the study Original title The possible factors affecting suicide attempts in the different phases of the menstrual cycle Authors Cayköylü A, Capoglu I, Oztürk I Journal Psychiatry and clinical neurosciences Year 2004 Study design Survey study Participants 52 Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1819.2004.01286.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1819.2004.01286.x) ## Topics [Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Suicidality](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-suicidality/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Randomised trial, 2024 Does estradiol prevent thinking problems before the period in women with suicidal thoughts? Survey study, 2026 How does sleep change across the menstrual cycle in women with psychiatric conditions and suicidal thinking? Cohort study, 2026 How do menstrual cycle hormones affect suicide risk in women? Cohort study, 2026 Does suicidal thinking and self-harm follow the menstrual cycle in PMDD? Cohort study, 2024 Does experiencing stressful life events change how your mood varies during your menstrual cycle? Cohort study, 2024 Does the menstrual cycle affect daily changes in suicidal thoughts? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗