Bipolar Disorder and Women

Bipolar Disorder also called Manic-Depression is a serious mental illness that causes shifts in moods.  Different from normal ups and downs it affects a person’s energy and ability to function.  The symptoms of Bipolar Disorder can be severe.  People with Bipolar Disorder experience highs and lows (mania and depression).  Bipolar Disorder occurs equally between men and women, however, women usually have more frequent changes in moods called rapid cycling. Women are diagnosed with having Bipolar II Disorder more often then men.

Bipolar Disorder is a fairly common illness and develops in late adolescence and early adulthood.  It can be treated effectively and people can lead productive lives with early intervention.

Bipolar Disorder is a chronic illness and has to be managed throughout a person’s life but there can be changes in their mood swings due to age and hormonal changes and the illness may become worse.

Menopause is a normal process of reproductive aging known as perimenopause which for most women stars around the age of 40.  The ovaries start to produce less estrogen and progesterone.  Many women may experience symptoms of menopause which can include mood swings.  These mood swings may be related to decreasing levels of estrogen.

Bipolar symptoms can increase in women with Bipolar Disorder they can become worse and medications that once worked cease to be as effective in controlling them.

Additional life experiences can also make Bipolar Disorder worse such as sexuality, aging, children leaving home.

Distinguishing menopausal symptoms and worsening of Bipolar Disorder may take blood tests to check hormone levels.  Often a low dose of oral contraceptives can stabilize hormone levels and may control the mood swings.

Any change in mood swings should be communicated to your doctor so that interventions, additional medications can stop a minor mood swing from becoming a major problem.

It is important to have a complete physical to determine if it is a medical problem or a sign of your Bipolar Disorder getting worse.

Women of menopausal age with Bipolar Disorder should keep in close contact with their doctor and consider individual or group therapy to help to deal with the changes in their bodies which may interfere with their mood swings.  Any changes in physical conditions should be monitored to decrease the chances of a major episode.