Phase of the Menstrual Cycle and Self-Referrals to a Suicide Prevention Service

Abstract

A review of studies relating suicide to the menstrual cycle (Wetzel et al., in preparation) showed that an increased proportion of female suicides and attempted suicides probably occur during the luteal (from ovulation to onset of menses) and menstrual phases of the cycle. Mandell and Mandell (1967), in a study of women calling the Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Center, found an increased number calling in the late luteal and menstrual phase of their cycle. This study assessed the relationship between phase of the cycle at the time of call and self-judged lethality.