Bipolar disorder is a mental illness with severe mood changes. The symptoms affect women differently, but most people alternate from lows to highs. Hormones may play a part in causing bipolar symptoms. Women who are already bipolar are more susceptible to fluctuations in mood during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.
Depression
In a depressive episode, a woman may have crying spells, feel hopeless and unattractive and may eat too much food or not enough food. Thoughts of suicide are also possible.
Manic
During a manic episode, a woman may feel optimistic, attractive and creative. She has lots of energy, sleeps very little and tries to accomplish many tasks at once.
Hypomania
This is a milder form of mania without the extreme highs. Hypomania usually occurs in bipolar 2, a less severe form of the bipolar disorder.
Mixed State
In some cases, a woman has both manic and depressive episodes at the same time. Usually, she feels hopeless and sad but also hyperactive.
Rapid Cycling
With rapid cycling, mood switches rapidly between highs and lows. Each episode lasts only a few hours or 2 to 3 days depending on the woman.
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