Menopause & Bipolar Disorder

Dramatic mood swings are a common symptom of menopause and perimenopause, which is the period of years right before menopause occurs. If you have bipolar disorder, your symptoms may worsen during perimenopause and menopause.

Difference

• Menopausal mood swings can be rapid and dramatic, but they lack the intensity of the manic phase and severe depressive phase typical of bipolar disorder. Menopausal women also have physical symptoms such as vaginal dryness and night sweats.

Misconception

• Although women in their menopausal years may be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, menopause does not cause bipolar disorder. According to the Mayo Clinic, the exact cause of bipolar disorder, in women and in men, is unknown.

Considerations

• According to "Bipolar Disorder: A Clinician's Guide to Biological Treatments," by Vivek Kusumakar, women with bipolar disorder reported suffering from more extreme manic and depressive phases during perimenopause and menopause.

Significance

• Women with bipolar disorder should be prepared for worsening symptoms, but, according to Kusumakar, not all women with bipolar disorder will experience significant changes.

Treatment

• One option for menopausal women with bipolar disorder is to use hormone replacement therapy to help regulate the hormone estrogen. Counseling is another.