Women are more than twice as likely to develop bipolar disorder in the years leading up to the menopause, study reveals

Women are more than twice as likely to develop bipolar disorder in the years leading up to the menopause, study reveals By Shaun Wooller, Health Editor Published: 17:38 EDT, 15 August 2024 | Updated: 17:51 EDT, 15 August 2024 e-mail View comments Women are more than twice as likely to develop bipolar disorder in the years leading up to the menopause , a study suggests. Researchers examined data on 128,294 UK women in the four years around their final period. Analysis revealed there was a 112 per cent increase in bipolar during perimenopause, while the onset of major depressive disorder increased by 30 per cent.

Perimenopause happens when a woman has symptoms of menopause, such as anxiety, mood swings and brain fog, but still has a period. Study leader Professor Arianna Di Florio, of Cardiff University, said: 'During perimenopause approximately 80 per cent of people develop symptoms, but the impact on the onset of severe mental illness was unknown. Analysis revealed there was a 112 per cent increase in bipolar during perimenopause, while the onset of major depressive disorder increased by 30 per cent (stock image) Study leader Professor Arianna Di Florio, of Cardiff University (pictured), said: 'During perimenopause approximately 80 per cent of people develop symptoms, but the impact on the onset of severe mental illness was unknown' 'In my clinic, I found that some women, previously living lives without any experience of severe mental health issues, developed severe mental il.