Menopause plus bipolar

Hi there. i am diagnosed with bipolar 1 and am going through menopause right now as well. it's like a double wammy. i was wondering if any other ladies on here are going through the same thing? it's almost unbearable to tell you the truth. i have been so irritable the last 3 weeks that i can't even stand myself. i can't take hormones because my mom died of breast cancer but i'm seriously considering it anyway. My Bipolar is bad enough as it is right now and then to top it off with menopause is torture for me right now. i'm really confused and don't know what i should do. i don't ever feel good anymore at all. before the menopause came on me i at least had intervals in between my bipolar moods with the depression and mania but now i can't catch a break. i feel like i'm going to crawl out of my own skin. i try very hard to be content and stable but it's just not happening for me. So if any of you ladies have any suggestions i sure would appreciate it. Thank you.

I was the in the same predicament (bipolar and menopause). It's rough. I couldn't take hormones either because of breast and ovarian cancer in my family. I had to have my meds adjusted a few time until I got through. I did get through it with therapy, meds, and support.

Hi, Yeah, count me as another bipolar/menopause chick. It's been a very rough 4 years for me. It seemed that most of the meds that used to work don't anymore. What used to be pleasant hypomania turned into an evil anxiety that just would not quit. My sister died of breast cancer, so...same with the hrt. Finally, Latuda has brought some relief. Are you on any psych meds?

Hi yes I am currently on Resperdol and actually just started it 3 weeks ago. What is Latutda? Is it an anti depressent or an anti pychiotic? I'm curious because it's been on the few ones that i've never been on.
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Hi KR, I've been on Latuda for about a year. It's an atypical antipsychotic and helps with depression. Nothing was budging my depression and anxiety, but Latuda has been quite helpful for me.

By the way, I'm on the maximum dose of Latuda - 160 mg.

I am in perimenopause, I am starting to taper off on my periods I am 56. It's tough, yes. I have cancer in my family, so I'm not sure if HRT is not going to be in the cards for me. I may have to consider it for short term though because of the frequency of suicidal thoughts. The benefits might outweigh the risks. I would talk to your doctor.