Bipolar Disorder in Menopausal / perimenopausal women: Prevalence, Risk & Key Differences

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? NE
Is it more common among menopausal / perimenopausal women? Symptoms may worsen for a subgroup during menopausal transition
Are menopausal / perimenopausal women at higher risk? Yes for symptom worsening in some women with existing BD
How much higher is the risk? Systematic review: depressive worsening reported in 46–91% across small studies, not population prevalence
How often can it be missed? High because symptoms may be attributed solely to menopause
Does it show up differently among menopausal / perimenopausal women? Yes
How might it look different? Sleep disruption, irritability and cognitive complaints overlap menopause; depressive symptoms may worsen
What commonly occurs alongside it? Anxiety; depression; sleep disorders
What can it be confused with? Menopausal symptoms; MDD; anxiety; insomnia; thyroid disease
Common screening tool MDQ
Separate screening tool for menopausal / perimenopausal women None
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