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Reply: Menopause (perimenapause) and Bi-Polar Disorder

I'm glad I found someone I can relate to. My name is Sandy, and I was diagnosed with...

Posted by unbalanced

I'm glad I found someone I can relate to. My name is Sandy, and I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder about 5 years ago. I am now going through "the change"--it really stinks! Just a little history first: I had a grand mal seizure in my teens when my period started, and had small seizures off & on during my period. To stop this I had brain surgery in 1994, where a piece of my brain was removed, and the seizures stopped. The emotional problems, however had just begun. Because my problems were triggered by monthly hormones, they told me menopause would be bad--they weren't kidding! When I went through perimenopause about 5 years ago, I was a basket case--crying all of the time. None of my doctors (I have many) could figure out how to regulate the chemicals in my brain & get my emotions stable. Then, my family doctor put me on birth control pills & it was like night & day--I finally had some relief. I was on them for years & stayed pretty normal--I thought I was done with bipolar. Because I was approaching 50, the dr told me to stop taking birth control. I need help now! My blood test shows I'm in menopause & I'm full-fledged bipolar. Up 1-2 days, depressed 3-4 days & normal in between. Oh, I have those terrible hot flashes & night sweats too!. I'm on disability so I work part-time & have missed lots of work. I have an appointment with my gynecologist today to discuss possible hormone replacement. I know there's a risk with hrt, but I need some relief from these crazy emotions-NOW!!! To tell you the truth, I don't care if it will shorten my life, I just need quality living in the present. I hope my gynecologist can help my today & get things moving in the right direction. know my story is a little different from your's because of the brain surgery, but it's all related. Hormones on top of bipolar is a DOUBLE WHAMMY for us. Becky, I wish you luck during this time, and I wanted you to know you're not alone in your misery. We're not "crazy" either! The chemicals in the brain are so sensitive, and we're at the mercy of this "thing" in our head. To leave you on a humorous note: After my surgery, one of the neurosurgeons told me, jokingly that "I had a good excuse if I do something stupid---I don't have all of my brain!" It's no joke anymore! It stinks royally! Hang in there!View Thread

Posted byunbalanced

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