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A recent study conducted at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) has shed light on a significant connection between the menstrual cycle and heightened suicidal thoughts and planning. The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, observed that individuals experienced more severe suicidal ideation and an increased likelihood of planning during the days surrounding menstruation.
Researchers, led by Tory Eisenlohr-Moul, an associate professor of psychiatry at UIC, closely monitored 119 patients over at least one menstrual cycle, employing a daily survey to track changes in suicidal thoughts and other mental health symptoms. The findings revealed a consistent elevation of psychiatric symptoms like depression, anxiety, and hopelessness during the premenstrual and early menstrual phases. Notably, emotional fluctuations were reported at varying times within the menstrual cycle among different individuals.
“This study highlights that the menstrual cycle can significantly impact individuals grappling with suicidal thoughts, serving as one of the few identifiable recurring risk factors in predicting the likelihood of a suicide attempt,” Eisenlohr-Moul emphasized.
The research delved into the nuanced changes in mental health across the menstrual cycle, recognizing that different psychiatric symptoms accompanied suicidal thoughts for each person.
“People’s emotional responses differed, leading to varied correlations between emotional symptoms and suicidality,” Eisenlohr-Moul explained. “For instance, while the cycle might trigger irritability or mood swings in one person, it might not necessarily elicit the same response in another, regarding suicidal tendencies.”
The investigation also explored premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a condition linked to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Studies have indicated that PMDD may stem from heightened sensitivity to reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone, with stabilizing these hormones potentially alleviating symptoms.
Researchers suggested that similar hormonal sensitivity dynamics might influence the impact of the menstrual cycle on suicidal thoughts among individuals without PMDD. However, they stressed the need for further research to comprehend how these factors interact in individual patients and how this knowledge could be leveraged clinically to prevent suicide attempts.
“We’re aiming to develop personalized prediction models for each individual, moving away from generalizations,” Eisenlohr-Moul stated. “Understanding if and how the menstrual cycle affects each person and tailoring interventions accordingly is crucial in our efforts to prevent suicide.”
