Women With Bipolar Disorder May Experience Severe Premenstrual Symptoms Despite Regular Periods

Premenstrual symptoms can include mood changes, irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, fatigue and physical discomfort. In women with bipolar disorder, hormonal changes around the menstrual cycle may coincide with fluctuations in mood or other psychiatric symptoms. The research draws attention to a group whose symptoms might be overlooked if clinicians focus only on whether menstrual cycles are regular. Regular periods do not necessarily mean that premenstrual symptoms are mild or that hormonal changes have no impact on wellbeing. However, the reported findings are preliminary and do not establish that regular menstruation causes more severe symptoms. Further research is required to understand the relationship between menstrual patterns, bipolar disorder and symptom severity. Women experiencing recurring mood changes around menstruation may benefit from recording symptoms across several cycles and discussing them with their gynecologist or mental-health specialist. Medication should not be adjusted without professional guidance.