Hormone swings linked to suicide risk in women: new study

NCT ID NCT04112368

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Illinois at Chicago Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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.

Suicidal Ideation

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SUICIDAL IDEATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Illinois Neuropsychiatric Institute

Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States

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