Suicide attempts in hypo-oestrogenic phases of the menstrual cycle

The phase of the menstrual cycle in women who had attempted suicide was determined by structured interview. 108 young women were investigated within 24 h of the attempt. Patients were grouped according to menstrual week and whether they used oral contraception (OC) (n = 73) or not (n = 35). In OC non-users suicide attempts were associated with low plasma oestradiol: they tended to happen during the first week of the menstrual cycle (42%) and after the fourth week (12%). Frequency of suicide attempts did not vary significantly during the menstrual cycle in OC users. In OC non-users, low oestradiol production may predispose to depression and attempted suicide.