Anyone w/worsening of bp depression with menopause? - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

colleen617 · 04-22-2007, 09:43 AM

Has anyone experienced a worsening of the mental fog that accompanies bp depression with menopause? The profound fatigue and impaired cognitive abilities are making it impossible for me to function and work.

Any thoughts? Thx.

roz5 · 04-22-2007, 02:05 PM

I am 44 and had a complete hysterectomy 2 years ago......instant surgical menopause. I was just diagnosed with bipolar 2 months ago. I believe that the surgery is what "stirred things up". I have been trying to find hormonal bliss with hormone meds (both synthetic and bio-identical). Nothing worked, so I gave up on the hormones. I am on 3 bipolar meds (Lamictal, Abilify and Wellbutrin). I recently went to a holistic nurse practioner who specializes in menopause, hormones, etc. She put me on more hormones and voila.....the bipolar depression got worse and I was sinking deeper and deeper. So, I quit the hormones and am dealing with the menopause symptoms, but focusing on the bipolar meds and feelings. Menopause is not fun.....and add bipolar to that and you have a "cocktail" of symptoms! All I can say is HANG IN THERE!!!

jules3 · 04-22-2007, 06:35 PM

Maybe you guys can help me ..im not bp, but do suffer from what i would say is mild depression . i feel that before my cycle i am SO much more depressed and swear that im having some pre-menopausel symptoms. I have night sweats and have alot of anxiety a week before. I am almost 44, could it be possible???

jgr01 · 04-23-2007, 04:58 AM

Colleen,

i have read that menopause can worsen BP symptoms during the transition - your pdoc should be told you're menopausal in order to monitor the meds.

Jules,

My symptoms are always much worse when I'm pre-menstual. In fact that's where I started 8 yrs ago with the diagnosis - yes depressions were worse but monitoring the rest of the month day by day indicated that i was rapid cycling all the time just hadn't noticed as much (everyone else had though). So, you could be menopausal or BP and menopausal I guess.

Juliet

colleen617 · 04-23-2007, 04:42 PM

Thanks for your input, Roz5. It sounds like you've gone through some difficult periods.

Take care.