Hormone swings linked to suicide risk in women: new study

NCT ID NCT04112368

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether stabilizing hormones with estrogen patches and progesterone pills could reduce suicidal thoughts in women with recent suicidal ideation. 124 women participated, tracking their daily mood and suicide risk over a month. The goal was to understand how natural hormone cycles influence short-term suicide risk, not to provide a treatment.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Estradiol transdermal patch and oral micronized progesterone

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a treatment that prevents monthly worsening of suicide risk in women of reproductive age.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study focused on understanding biology, not testing a treatment. The results may not lead to a direct therapy, and the hormone interventions may have side effects.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Suicidal Ideation

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Illinois Neuropsychiatric Institute

    Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States