I have bp2 and from past experience id say I need to be medicated. There were periods when I quit meds altogether and ended up self medicating with substances which just lead to a downward spiral. I have had medical issues like losing my period but that could be from going off the bc pill too. However I have a feeling it has something to do with long term psych med use. But at the same time, I can't risk going off meds anytime soon.