Effects of Premenstrual Symptoms on Bipolar Disorder

Effects of Premenstrual Symptoms on Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Disorder Print Effects of Premenstrual Symptoms on Bipolar By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial policy Marcia Purse Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD on November 23, 2019 twitter linkedin Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Daniel B. Block, MD Updated on February 21, 2020 Bipolar Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes Treatment Living With In Children Your Rights eclipseimages/E/Getty Images In This Article Table of Contents Expand Effects Occurrence Premenstrual Symptoms vs. PMDD Can Bipolar Disorder Be Misdiagnosed as PMDD? Accessing the Role of PMS in Bipolar Disorder Treatment and Management View All What are the effects of premenstrual symptoms (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) on bipolar disorder? Lets take a look at what studies tell us about premenstrual symptoms superimposed on bipolar disorder, how these symptoms can be distinguished from one another, some testimonies from women who have experienced this dreaded double duo of symptoms, and what can be done to manage the symptoms. As a final question, is the diagnosis of bipolar disorder ever missed, and the symptoms mistakenly attributed to premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Effects Living with bipolar disorder alone should be enough, yet studies tell us that many women with bipolar disorder have a worsening of symptoms during the premenstrual period.?? While it may seem obvious that the irritability of premenstrual tension would accentuate the symptoms of bipolar disorder, researchers have been able to demonstrate specific ways in which these monthly symptoms may exacerbate bipolar disorder. Women who report significant premenstrual symptoms: Have more episodes related to their bipolar disorder, most commonly depressive episodesExperience less time between episodesHave episodes which are more severe (including depressive, manic,?? and hypomanic episodes) Women who have premenstrual symptoms which exacerbate their symptoms of bipolar disorder have a worse course of illness, a shorter time to relapse, and more severe bipolar symptoms. Occurrence A large meta-analysis (a study that compares the results of several different studies) found that 44 to 68 percent of the women with bipolar disorder had some premenstrual-related mood changes, 22 to 77 percent of women with bipolar disorder met the criteria for premenstrual dysphoria, and 15 to 27 percent met the criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Premenstrual Symptoms vs. PMDD Premenstrual symptoms, when they occur, usually occur during the luteal phase of a womans menstrual cycle. This usually corresponds to the two week period between ovulation (which generally occurs mid-cycle) and the time menstruation begins. The different terms used to describe these symptoms are based primarily on the severity of symptoms. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is used to describe the very common irritability and emotional lability in women before their periods. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder has specific criteria, and is more likely to be diagnosed when premenstrual symptoms significantly affect your quality of life.?? Its important to note that there may be overlap as a womans premenstrual symptoms can vary month to month. Can Bipolar Disorder Be Misdiagnosed as PMDD? The answer to whether or not someone can be erroneously be diagnosed with PMDD when they really have bipolar disorder is yes.?? This is one reason it is important for women with PMDD to track their symptoms (see below). Accessing the Role of PMS in Bipolar Disorder It can clearly be helpful to determine if PMS or PMDD are exacerbating your bipolar disorder, but unfortunately, this isnt very easy. There are no blood tests or hormonal tests, and the only way to figure this out is to track your symptoms daily for at least two months.?? Some women keep a journal, making a note each day. A somewhat objective way is to write down symptoms such as irritability and energy level, giving each of these symptoms a number between one and ten. For example, you could rate your irritability level as one, meaning you barely feel irritable, or a ten, referring to irritability that is as bad as it ever gets. There are other tools which can help you follow your symptoms such as PMDD symptom tracker, or one of the phone apps available such as Clue Connect. Tracking periods can also be helpful for those who have been diagnosed with PMDD but are concerned that they may actually have bipolar disorder. Treatment and Management Since premenstrual symptoms and PMDD can significantly worsen bipolar disorder, its important to control PMDD symptoms as well as possible. Treatment options for PMS/PMDD include: Lifestyle changes - Avoiding alcohol and caffeine can be helpful, and exercise is critical.?? Dietary changes can make a difference and include eliminating high glycemic index carbohydrates as much as possible. A glycemic index chart can be helpful to figure out which foods this includes.Alternative treatments - It is important to talk to your psychiatrist before trying any alternative therapies, though nutritional supplements such as chasteberry?? and calcium carbonate may help some people.Relaxation therapy including activities such as meditation and yoga may help some people and have a low risk of side effects.Birth control pills may help some people, though this approach is most effective for those with mild symptoms and can sometimes worsen symptoms. Estrogen patches, oral progesterone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormones are second-line treatments that may offer some relief. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac (fluoxetine) are often used for women without bipolar disorder but should be avoided for those with bipolar disorder (due to the risk of precipitating a manic episode.) If these medications are used they should most often be used along with a mood stabilizer or antipsychotic medications, and then only with extreme caution. Since SSRIs are used very commonly for people with PMS/PMDD, this is an important reason why its important to distinguish between PMDD and bipolar disorder.