Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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For Women in their mids

nemo15
nemo15

My bipolar 2 symptoms have been escalating for quite some time now, and they continue to worsen. I am 48, and I still have a menstrual cycle, but I strongly suspect that being perimenopausal is wreaking havoc with my moods and overall mental stability. My hormones seem to be raging all of the time, and my moods are so intense that I spend a great deal of my time sobbing, completely unable to function or interact with anyone. Crying uncontrollably has been a symptom of mine for quite some time, crying in public for no reason, but this only seems to be intensifying, which is NOT MANAGEABLE. I see my shrink next week, and I also have a physical scheduled with a general doc to update my medical file before my disability hearing in September. I sort of feel like as a bipolar sufferer that docs don't necessarily listen the same as if I was just a "regular" person. Like I am embellishing how I'm feeling or what is going on with me isn't real and only "psychosomatic." I don't see a primary doctor with any regularity, and I don't want to miss the opportunity to get help with these debilitating hormonal symptoms, but I'm not sure what to ask or what to say. I have read that menopause can be disasterous for women who suffer from biploar disorder, and this issue, added to the challenges I already face, is completely daunting and incredibly scary for me. Any advice is much appreciated. 

polarbare
polarbare
Its important to have an ongoing relationship with a General doc- i didn't do hormone replacement therapy and my bipolar 1 was ok no big mood swings--- maybe you need a med tweek--- its good to treat both-- i hope you feel better ((hugs)) polar
beckyp
beckyp
Sorry you are suffering so badly. I have been stable for quite some time now. When I went through peri and menopause I did not suffer any mood swings, only hot flashes. I believe it is because my BP was under control. I think you need to talk to your pdoc about this and I also would suggests and OBGYN. I hope you can get things under control.
SensitiveHoboLady
SensitiveHoboLady
I am 41, a survivor of estrogen positive breast cancer, bipolar dx age 26, and currently awaiting another opinion about a hysterectomy (fibroids, ovarian cyst, polyp, and lots of pain...first doctor told me to take pain pills and don’t worry????) On top of that, Corporate America and its dehumanization of its employees has put me in a position where my job security is on the line because negotiations for a new contract are underway and at any moment I could just lose my health insurance and not be placed in another position......so I’m impatiently awaiting more appts with specialists and don’t know what the future holds.

Overwhelming.

I try to put these realities in Human Stressor categories and remember that whether or not someone has a mental illness diagnosis, these are REALLY STRESSFUL SCENARIOS. And as I go about constantly figuring everything out over the years I try not to focus on the mental illness part of things and just think of mental wellness. And overall health wellness for that matter. I don’t know how to put that in words in the way I want to convey, but emotions and hormones play a big role.

And yes, it’s important to see doctors outside of mental health doctors. Some see the big picture of mind and body. Taking care of the whole body. It’s very very complex. Im sorry I don’t have much guidance but yes.....very complicated stuff and I would try to reach out for other doctors too until you feel you get to a trusting place with a network. Therapy helps me too. It builds my confidence and keeps things into perspective.

Stay strong.
arfie
arfie
I've been post-menopausal for enough years that I can't even remember when my last period was. I am loving life without the monthly roller coaster ride!!! I love it enough that, in hindsight, it was worth the price of the extra havoc of menopause. FREEDOM!!!

Is it valid advice to suggest you keep your eye on the prize? Life outside the rag rocks!!!
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
Mentalpause….. It can be wicked!!!

I am post menopausal as well now..... Hormone Replacement Therapy.... I started in during perimenopause.....

It's the best drug I've ever taken.... It literally worked overnight and deals with all of the 'hormonal' symptoms.....xo
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