Considering the Role of the Menstrual Cycle on Increased Suicidality in Adolescent Females

Abstract

Increased suicide in adolescent females calls for further study of potential risk and resiliency factors. Considering the relationship that menstrual cycle plays on mood and increased likelihood of suicidality in adult women, it is likely that a similar relationship is present in adolescents. The current review used PubMed and PsycInfo to assess articles related to menstrual cycle and suicide in adolescents. Limited data was present on the role that menstrual cycle and related disorders such as PMS and PMDD has on the worsening of mood symptoms and suicidal ideation and attempts, with minimal research conducted on adolescents. This review identifies a gap in research regarding premenstrual distress as a potential risk factor for suicidal ideation and attempts in adolescents. The present review suggests future routes for research in this area and the impacts that a better understanding of the complex relationship between menstrual cycle and suicide could provide in order to minimize the impact of menstrual distress on suicidality.

The Menstrual Disorder of Teenagers (MDOT) Study No. 2: Period ImPact and Pain Assessment (PIPPA) Tool Validation in a Large Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study of Australian Teenagers

“…16,34,39 Optimal outcomes from a comprehensive approach includes consideration and management of PMDD, depression, anxiety and mental health issues. 12,[23][24][25][26] Menstrual education and screening in schools has optimal reach for young women and is both desired by young women (and young men) to address unmet information needs and can facilitate early identification of problems. 4,[40][41][42] However, early awareness strategies can reach further with the use of social media and internet sites that can facilitate early selfscreening and self-management if (links to) tools and information are readily available and accessible.…”

“… Severe pain and interference lead to school absenteeism, presenteeism and academic underperformance which have long term implications for life potential [16][17][18][19][20]  Some girls with dysmenorrhoea may be at risk of developing persistent pelvic pain and sensitivity 9,11,12  Primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea incur an economic burden to women, families, workplaces and the health care system 21,22  Hormonal mood changes related to the menstrual cycle are common but the relationship between mood, severe pain and resultant disturbance is poorly understood and under-researched. It can be 'normalised' despite high impact and possibly be more deleterious for a young person whose wellbeing is already stressed by adolescence and is showing symptoms of anxiety and depression 12,20,[23][24][25][26] While approximately 70% of teenage girls report crampy pain with periods and consider their periods to be normal, 5 the challenge remains in determining criteria to identify girls with significant pain related menstrual disturbance. 6,27 The literature consistently highlights recurring factors that signpost adolescent menstrual disturbance or deviation from typical menstrual symptoms including severe period pain (equivalent to scoring 8-10 on NRS), interference with daily life activities, school absence and reporting of multiple other symptoms around menstruation.…”