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Examining Suicidal Ideation and Capability Across the Menstrual Cycle
Keyne C Law1, Katherine L O'Connell1, Jordan C Barone2
1Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior
|March 31, 2026
Summary
Fearlessness about death (FAD) did not change across the menstrual cycle. However, FAD was linked to daily mood changes and passive suicidal ideation in women with a history of suicidal thoughts.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
Background:
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are linked to menstrual cycle phases.
- The study investigated fearlessness about death (FAD) across the menstrual cycle.
- Previous research suggests connections between the menstrual cycle and suicidal ideation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if fearlessness about death (FAD) fluctuates across the menstrual cycle.
- To explore the relationship between FAD and suicidal behavior correlates throughout the cycle.
Main Methods:
- 46 women with natural menstrual cycles and past-month suicidal ideation participated.
- Daily ratings of FAD and suicidal ideation were collected over two months.
- Menstrual cycle phases were self-reported.
Main Results:
- Fearlessness about death (FAD) remained stable and did not vary significantly by cycle day or phase.
- FAD showed significant associations with daily depression, anger, irritability, and passive suicidal ideation.
Conclusions:
- Affective states, not ovarian hormones, appear to influence FAD in women with suicidal ideation.
- Strict inclusion criteria may have limited the detection of FAD fluctuations.
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