Menarche, menstrual problems and suicidal behavior in Chinese adolescents

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Adolescent Psychology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Menarche, the onset of menstruation, typically occurs during adolescence.
• Menstrual irregularities like dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, oligomenorrhea, and irregular cycles are common among female adolescents.
• Suicidal behavior is a significant concern in adolescent populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the age of menarche and menstrual problems with suicidal behavior in Chinese female adolescents.
• To identify potential risk factors for suicidal behavior related to menstrual characteristics.

Main Methods:

• An epidemiological survey was conducted among 5831 female adolescents in Shandong province, China.
• Data were collected using self-administered paper-and-pencil questionnaires.
• Logistic regression analyses were employed to assess the relationship between menstruation and suicidality.

Main Results:

• Earlier menarche (≤11 years) was associated with a higher risk of suicidal ideation (OR=1.41).
• Menarche at 12 years was linked to an increased risk of suicide plan (OR=1.23).
• Irregular menstrual cycles (OR=1.40) and short menstrual periods (≤4 days, OR=1.32) were significantly associated with increased risks of suicidal ideation and suicide plans, respectively.

Conclusions:

• Earlier menarche, irregular menstrual cycles, and short menstrual periods are associated with suicidal behavior in female adolescents.
• These findings suggest a potential link between menstrual health and adolescent suicidality.
• Further research is needed to establish causality and explore intervention strategies.