does anyone know if there is a connection with bi polar and periods making the condition worse?

Question

i am bi polar and find it very difficult to not have extreme mood swings during my monthlies, this is the only connection i can find

Answer 1

I JUST THINK YOUR INSANE....SEEK HELP FAST

Answer 2

I have bi polar too and I also suffer from more extreme mood swings around my period. I have spoken in depth about this with my psychiatrist and he told me that there have been many pieces of research carried out on this and they have all concluded that there is a link between the two, primarily caused by an increase in oestrogen. However, the research has also proved that for people with bi polar serotonin and dopamine levels changed during the woman's monthly cycle. This has also shown why there is a higher prevalence of bi polar amongst women. Apparently the menopause can also worsen the condition.

Answer 3

Look up Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, PMDD. I'm also bi polar and have a rotten time. Nightmares, irritablility, insomnia, hypersomnia....more prone to hallucinations. A worsening of allergy symptoms.

Basically, any woman with underlying mental health issues is going to see the exacerbation of symptoms during this time.

Treating each symptom individually seems to be the thing to do...hot baths for cramps and relaxation. Topical vitamin for breast swelling and tenderness. Proper nutrition is also very important.

Great mental health site on the web is Dr. Ivan's Depression Central.

Good luck,
elizabeth

Answer 4

i am a severe bipolar, and when my husband even thinks i am about to have a monthly he runs leaving chocolate behind for me to find. lol but seriously, every month i have a severe mood swings.. talk with your doctor and they can help you with a med to help control them a little better so you won't be so moody. the way i was explained was that although we deal with the mood swings in bipolar land (so to speak) when our bodies change for our monthly, it adds more stress to us and most bi polars are very good with stress. so there is more chance of a violent blowup. good luck hon

Answer 5

I have clinical depression and I found I got worse during periods. I think it's because as well as the normal depression im-balance you are adding the hormonal changes and normally girls get weepy and irratable, so imagine your making it 2 fold. I tried the pill to stop it that didn't work so I'm now on the injection and it helps alot!! I still get it a tiny bit because of my medication but it takes most of the symptoms away.

Answer 6

A lot of women suffer with mood swings and depression when they are on their period. So to have bi polar as well must make it twice as bad. Have you tried meditation and relaxation techniques to help cope with it.

Answer 7

I suffer from the same thing but find that im more chilled out when it comes to that time of the month! Dont really know why! What med you on?

Answer 8

Please do not pay attention to the rude and untimely reply
above. And yes, from one person to another it can make
a very big difference. A lot also depends on your family
environment, stick around with those who know and are
willing to help you through this period. I wish you all the best
of health, Iain

Answer 9

hun, we all have mood swings during our monthlies. its PMS. there is an extream form of PMS (cant remember what it is tho, PMDS maybe)

you can have that checked out tho. i used to be extreamly depressed during mine until i reliezed what was going on. i just thought i was going crazy or something (i had been diagnosed with depression years ago, but refused meds after they really messed me up) so i thought it was something with the depression.