Women and Bipolar Disorder

Research shows that women experience more periods of depression than men. In bipolar disorder, women develop   bipolar II meaning they do reach severe mania but have milder episodes of hypomania alternating with depression.

Women are more prone to rapid cycling, having four or more mood episodes in one year.  hormones   antidepressants may contribute to rapid cycling.

Women who are pregnant run the risk with prescribed medication it has been shown that the risk of birth defects and certain medical issues in newborns and the risks may outweigh the benefits.  

Women who have bipolar disorder and plan to become pregnant should talk with their psychiatrist about the risks that are involved.

The hormone fluctuations of menopause can cause mood disorders in woman in general not just those with bipolar disorder. For those already having troubles with major depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorders there can be an increase in symptoms. Women during menopause may experience    more frequent episodes of depression because of lowering of estrogen levels. Women with bipolar disorder sometimes mistake their mood swings for PMS.

Women with Bipolar disorder are different than  men  with the same diagnosis doctors sometimes make a wrong diagnosis the same way that women with heart disease because  the symptoms differs  from the symptoms of the disease.

Most people with bipolar disorder have their first manic episodes in their 20s or 30s, and research has shown that women develop symptoms of the disorder three to five years later than men

Taking all into consideration there are many ways that women can have episodes that are unique.  Their episodes may change for various reasons.  Women must be aware of the changes and communicate their concerns with their doctor.