--- title: Does the menstrual cycle affect how often women have suicidal thoughts? description: Yes. Women with recent suicidal thoughts reported significantly more severe ideation during the perimenstrual phase (around their period) compared to other cy url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/cyclical-exacerbation-of-suicidal-ideation-in-female-outpatients-prospective-2023/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does the menstrual cycle affect how often women have suicidal thoughts? Cohort study, 2023 # Does the menstrual cycle affect how often women have suicidal thoughts? Yes. Women with recent suicidal thoughts reported significantly more severe ideation during the perimenstrual phase (around their period) compared to other cycle phases. The cycle explained 25% of the change in suicidal thoughts. Moderate study design 38 women aged 18+ with recent suicidal ideation and regular menstrual cycles ## What they did 38 women aged 18+ with recent suicidal ideation and regular menstrual cycles rated their suicidal thoughts and related symptoms (depression, anxiety, anger, guilt) every day for about 40 days. Researchers tracked their menstrual cycle phase. Women using hormonal birth control, pregnant, with irregular cycles, serious illness, or BMI below 18 or above 29.9 were excluded. ## What they found Most symptoms, including suicidal ideation, were significantly worse during the perimenstrual phase than other cycle phases. Anger and irritability were higher in the midluteal phase than the midfollicular phase. The menstrual cycle phase accounted for 25% of the variation in suicidal ideation. ## What it means for you Women with suicidal thoughts may be at highest risk around their period. Doctors should check menstrual cycle phase when assessing suicide risk. The study is limited by small sample size and only included women with recent suicidal thoughts. 38 women studied ~40 days average daily tracking period 25% cycle variance in suicidal ideation ## About the study Original title Cyclical exacerbation of suicidal ideation in female outpatients: Prospective evidence from daily ratings in a transdiagnostic sample Authors Owens SA, Schmalenberger KM, Bowers S et al. Journal Journal of psychopathology and clinical science Year 2023 Study design Cohort study What was tested None (observational study) Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1037/abn0000838](https://doi.org/10.1037/abn0000838) ## Topics [Borderline personality disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-bpd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Premenstrual exacerbation (PME)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pme/)[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Mood swings and emotion regulation](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-emotional-regulation/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[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 Study, 2026 What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Cohort study, 2024 Does the menstrual cycle affect daily changes in suicidal thoughts? Case report, 2024 How is PMDD diagnosed and treated in teenagers? Survey study, 2006 Does the menstrual cycle affect mood disorders? Cohort study, 2024 Does experiencing stressful life events change how your mood varies during your menstrual cycle? Randomised trial, 2022 Do hormone pills prevent suicidal thoughts from getting worse around menstruation? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗