Understanding suicide risk in adolescent girls during their menstrual cycle

Adolescent Girls’ Risk for Suicide Across the Menstrual Cycle: Examining Stress and Negative Valence Systems Longitudinally

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11018611

This study is looking at how different stages of the menstrual cycle might influence suicidal thoughts and feelings in teenage girls, so we can better understand when they might be at greater risk and help support their mental health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11018611 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the menstrual cycle affects the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescent girls. By examining stress responses and hormonal changes throughout different phases of the menstrual cycle, the study aims to identify specific times when girls may be at higher risk for these thoughts and behaviors. Participants will report their experiences and symptoms, allowing researchers to analyze the relationship between hormonal fluctuations, stress, and mental health outcomes. The goal is to better understand the underlying factors contributing to increased suicide risk in this population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescent girls aged 12 to 20 who may experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients who are not within the adolescent age range or who do not experience any mental health issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies and interventions for adolescent girls at risk of suicide.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that hormonal changes can influence mental health, but this specific focus on adolescent girls' menstrual cycles and suicide risk is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.