Case-control study, 2009
Does menstruation increase suicide risk?
The study found that 25% of women who died by suicide were menstruating, compared to 4.5% of the control group, suggesting a possible connection. However, the researchers emphasize serious methodological limitations.
What they did
Examined tissue from the uterus in 56 women who died by suicide and 44 women who died from other causes to determine which menstrual cycle phase they were in at the time of death.
What they found
25% of women who died by suicide were menstruating at the time of death, compared to 4.5% of the control group.
What it means for you
The study suggests menstruation might be associated with suicide, but the authors emphasize major methodological problems including issues with tissue preservation and examination. Understanding this relationship requires considering broader psychological, social, and cultural factors.
25%
women who died by suicide who were menstruating
4.5%
women in control group who were menstruating
56
women who died by suicide studied
About the study
- Original title
- Menstruation and suicide: a histopathological study
- Authors
- Leenaars AA, Dogra TD, Girdhar S et al.
- Journal
- Crisis
- Year
- 2009
- Study design
- Case-control study
- Participants
- 56
- What was tested
- None. Retrospective study of menstrual cycle phase at time of death.
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1027/0227-5910.30.4.202