Survey study, 2006
Is there a link between the menstrual cycle and suicidal behaviour?
Yes. Studies with better research methods show that non-fatal suicidal behaviour is more common during the parts of the menstrual cycle when estrogen is lowest. This pattern is especially strong in women with PMS.
What they did
The researchers searched major research databases and reviewed 44 studies that examined links between the menstrual cycle and suicide, attempted suicide, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
What they found
13 studies looked at completed suicide, 23 looked at suicide attempts, 3 focused on suicide attempts in women with PMS, 3 looked at suicidal thoughts, and 2 examined self-harm. Studies with better methods showed that non-fatal suicidal behaviour was more common during the late luteal phase (after ovulation, before bleeding) and the follicular phase (during and after menstrual bleeding), when estrogen levels are lowest. This pattern was especially clear in women with PMS.
What it means for you
There appears to be a real link between low estrogen phases of the menstrual cycle and non-fatal suicidal behaviour, particularly in women with PMS. One possible way this works is through how estrogen affects the brain's serotonin system. The studies reviewed used different methods and had different quality.
44
Total studies reviewed
13
Studies on completed suicide
23
Studies on suicide attempts
About the study
- Original title
- Suicidal behaviour and the menstrual cycle
- Authors
- Saunders KE, Hawton K
- Journal
- Psychological medicine
- Year
- 2006
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1017/s0033291706007392
Topics
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