Could a hormone patch ease suicidal thoughts during periods?

NCT ID NCT06191289

Terminated Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Illinois at Chicago Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether a transdermal estrogen patch, applied for two weeks around the menstrual period, could reduce suicidal thoughts in women who had recently experienced them. Eleven women participated, and the study compared the estrogen patch to a placebo patch. The goal was to see if boosting estrogen levels could help stabilize mood and reduce suicidal ideation during a vulnerable time of the month.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: transdermal estradiol (estrogen patch)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a short-term hormone treatment to ease suicidal thoughts during the menstrual period.
What could go wrong: This was a very small, early-phase study that was terminated early, so results are limited. The treatment is only for a specific time window and may not help everyone.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Suicide

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SUICIDE

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Illinois Neuropsychiatric Institute

Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States

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