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.
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
Topics
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