[slusa2020]

Hello Ladies!
I have a question for those who might be in their 50s and beyond. Did any of you experience changes in the symptoms or management of your bipolar symptoms at the lovely age of being perimenopausal or menopausal? I'm not there yet but wonder if the meds are affecting my periods and if so what will happen once I hit that time frame. It's not that far away
Kindest regards!

[Unrigged64072835]

My bipolar and anxiety were much worse with menopause. I've been better now with the correct meds and some time.

[Moose72]

Subbing... In Peri menopause

[BeyondtheRainbow]

I have mostly done better since menopause. Granted better does include one of my worst and longest episodes ever but aside from that it has been easier. My body did not handle constant hormonal changes and is much happier now that is over. It was only one of many triggers but it definitely was a trigger.

[emgreen]

Does MANopause count?

I think I got worse in my forties, heading into perimenopause, but by 50 when I was firmly in perimenopause things got MUCH better. I've been quite stable in my 50's (still not officially in menopause yet -- waiting impatiently).

[Nammu]

Things got much better after menopause. Me I think it's because there is not a monthly roller coaster of hormones.

[Shazerac]

I lost my freakin mind during menopause. Almost divorced my husband. Things are way better on the other side.

[Moose72]

I'm afraid to lose my sex drive (and ability) after menopause.

[Shazerac]

Originally Posted by Moose72

I'm afraid to lose my sex drive (and ability) after menopause.

You won't don't worry. Meds are a bigger threat to your libido than menopause

[Moose72]

Originally Posted by Shazerac

You won't don't worry. Meds are a bigger threat to your libido than menopause

That makes me happy.

I know Zoloft made me anogasmic. Very frustrating!

[gayleggg]

I had mania much more before menopause. Since menopause it has been smoother but more depressed. I've been hospitalized once since menopause and that was because of the depression. But overall I think after menopause it's been easier and more even moods. I have to admit that I lost my sex drive, though.

I was diagnosed and began medication treatment at 45. I immediately found myself in peri-menopause. Skin issues, cycle changes, etc. I just had my 50th birthday. Taking medications I believe is affecting this period of peri-menopause - in particular my Lithium. It has caused problems with my parathyroid glands. This is not rare for women my age but has been linked to the medication. I actually have a test scheduled next week to determine if I need surgery. The other thing about the Lithium is that it has caused my calcium level to spike ultra high. This creates a condition much like osteoporosis - another 'old lady' problem but linked to my medication. (I meet with my psychiatrist in the New Year to discuss an alternative treatment).

Of note, the women in my family apparently experienced menopause late in life. It is unusual then that I be experiencing these symptoms at this time.

[Ocean Swimmer]

I was more symptomatic after menopause. I never took hormones.

[BipolaRNurse]

I went through menopause in my late 40s and found that my symptoms were worse afterwards. I didn't really know I had bipolar until my early 50s, which was when all the wheels came off the bus. OTOH, I remember being more or less out of my skull in my late 30s-early 40s. My moods and memory loss were so ridiculous that my kids even made fun of me, and I had nothing to defend myself with because they were right! Again, I had no idea that a bipolar diagnosis was in my future; all I knew was that something was really screwy.

[Sad Mermaid]

Originally Posted by Moose72

I'm afraid to lose my sex drive (and ability) after menopause.

same here

[Sad Mermaid]

Originally Posted by Shazerac

You won't don't worry. Meds are a bigger threat to your libido than menopause

thanks, that is so relieving!

[ComfortablyNumb5]

Originally Posted by slusa2020

Hello Ladies!
I have a question for those who might be in their 50s and beyond. Did any of you experience changes in the symptoms or management of your bipolar symptoms at the lovely age of being perimenopausal or menopausal? I'm not there yet but wonder if the meds are affecting my periods and if so what will happen once I hit that time frame. It's not that far away
Kindest regards!

I know this is for 50 plus year olds but I want to let you know that my periods completely stopped from APs and prolactin levels that they raise. I now take birth control just to make me normal. I've quit risperdal, the suspected med months ago so I'm hoping that was the issue. There's a few APs that cause your levels to go haywire so I have heard of this issue before. Sorry to crash your 50+ party just wanted to put in my two cents

[slusa2020]

Thank you ladies. Sounds terrible but I assumed it was not going to be easy. And I have NO Idea! That is, if MANopause counts. lol. I'm dreading all of this a lot. But thank you all for the support.

[*Laurie*]

Hi, I'm 53. When I hit my 50's my anxiety and depression absolutely skyrocketed. "Happy' hypomania turned into a dysphoric, nervous, miserable, anxious mania. Medication stopped being as effective as it had been. I felt like I was completely losing my mind. Awful, awful. I am now on a lot of meds, have gone through menopause...a little bit better than I was, but I sure hope I improve even more after some time has passed.