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Survey study, 1999

Does menstrual cycle phase affect mood in women with rapid cycling bipolar disorder?

No. This study found no systematic pattern between menstrual cycle phase and mood in women with rapid cycling bipolar disorder, even though some individual women showed a connection.

Early or limited evidence 25 premenopausal women with rapid cycling bipolar disorder

What they did

25 premenopausal women with rapid cycling bipolar disorder filled out daily mood ratings for at least 3 months, noting their menstrual cycle timing.

What they found

Menstrual cycle phase did not significantly affect mood in the group overall. Although some individual women showed a relationship between cycle phase and mood state, there was no consistent pattern across the group.

What it means for you

In this small group of women with rapid cycling bipolar disorder, menstrual cycle did not seem to affect mood. The study was limited because it was small and only included women with this specific condition, so the findings may not apply to all women with bipolar disorder.

25

women with rapid cycling bipolar disorder

3

months minimum of tracking

About the study

Original title
Lack of relationship between menstrual cycle phase and mood in a sample of women with rapid cycling bipolar disorder
Authors
Leibenluft E, Ashman SB, Feldman-Naim S et al.
Journal
Biological psychiatry
Year
1999
Study design
Survey study

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