Review, 2014
Does the menstrual cycle affect mood episodes in women with bipolar disorder?
Yes, for many women. Many women with bipolar disorder experience changes in depressive, manic or hypomanic episodes linked to their menstrual cycle, though this varies widely between women.
What they did
Systematic review of case reports and research studies published through March 2013. Identified 25 case reports, 10 retrospective studies, and 11 prospective studies.
What they found
64% of case reports involved manic or hypomanic episodes in the premenstrual phase. In retrospective studies, 25-77% of women with bipolar disorder met criteria for PMS and 15-27% met criteria for PMDD. Menstrual cycle-related mood changes were reported by 64-68% of women in retrospective studies and were shown by 44-65% of women in prospective studies.
What it means for you
A substantial portion of women with bipolar disorder experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle, though effects vary widely. Some women may have particular sensitivity to hormonal changes. Research has focused mainly on the premenstrual phase, and the studies included were of mixed quality.
64%
Case reports with manic episodes in premenstrual phase
25-77%
Retrospective studies showing PMS rate
44-65%
Prospective studies showing menstrual cycle effects
About the study
- Original title
- Effects of the menstrual cycle on bipolar disorder
- Authors
- Teatero ML, Mazmanian D, Sharma V
- Journal
- Bipolar disorders
- Year
- 2014
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/bdi.12138
Topics
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