Bipolar disorder is a severe mental illness causing debilitating symptoms that can have a drastic impact on your life. Interestingly, a form of bipolar disorder, known as rapid-cycling bipolar disorder, is often diagnosed more frequently in women than in men, according to Steffany J. Fredman and Dr. Jerrold F. Rosenbaum in an article for Medscape Education. While the causes aren't totally understood, researchers have speculated that a combination of factors, including specific hormonal fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels, may have a significant impact on the course of this disorder in women.
About Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is an illness resulting in mood swings that alternate between manic and depressive episodes. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the main types of bipolar disorder are bipolar I disorder, which results in mostly manic episodes; bipolar II disorder, in which depressive episodes are most prevalent; bipolar disorder not otherwise specified, which is diagnosed when a patient displays some symptoms of bipolar disorder but not enough to meet criteria for the preceding two types; and cyclothymic disorder, characterized by mild depressive and manic episodes. Rapid-cycling bipolar is the diagnosis given when you experience "four or more episodes of major depression, mania, hypomania or mixed symptoms within a year," according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The symptoms of manic episodes usually include risk-taking behaviors, an extremely elevated mood, irritability, feelings of invincibility and insomnia. Hypomania is the term used to described less severe symptoms of mania. Depressive episodes cause a lowered mood, lack of self-esteem, worry, feeling empty and irritability. Bipolar disorder is usually treated with mood-stabilizing medications, antidepressants and psychotherapy.
Significance of Progesterone
Progesterone is one of two female sex hormones, the other being estrogen, that helps your body prepare for pregnancy. According to gynecologist Duane E. Townsend and Rita Elkins in their book, "The Maverick of Medicine Speaks to Women: A World-Renowned Gynecologist's Solution for a Better World in Women's Health Care," mood swings during premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, may be caused by high levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone. Additionally, chronic stress can cause an imbalance in progesterone levels, leading to feelings of depression or irritability. Fluctuations in these hormones may help explain the higher incidence of rapid-cycling bipolar disorder in women, although there aren't many studies to fully confirm this hypothesis.
Clinical Evidence
A clinical study, published in the August 2006 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology," found that women suffering from bipolar disorder or depression had significantly higher plasma levels of progesterone than normal study participants. Interestingly, the study also found that bipolar patients had higher levels of progesterone than depressed patients. Another study, published in the February 2008 issue of the journal "Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences," showed that a combination of estrogen and progesterone treatment appeared to be an effective mood stabilizer in a case study of a woman who was suffering from postpartum mania. However, more clinical studies are needed to fully evaluate the effects of progesterone on the course of bipolar disorder in women.
Considerations
Hormonal fluctuations may play a significant role in the course of bipolar disorder in women. If you think you may be suffering from bipolar disorder, do not attempt to self-diagnose your symptoms. Bipolar disorder requires professional treatment in order to manage symptoms. Consult your doctor to obtain a proper diagnosis and to discuss potential treatment options.
References
- "Medscape Education"; Mood Disorders and Their Treatment in Women Across the Reproductive Life Cycle; Steffany J. Fredman, et al.; June 2003
- National Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder
- "The Maverick of Medicine Speaks to Women: A World-Reowned Gynecologist's Solution for a Better World in Women's Health Care"; Duane E. Townsend, et al.; 2003
- "Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology"; Increased Neuroactive Steroid Concentrations in Women With Bipolar Disorder or Major Depressive Disorder; M. Hardoy, et al.; August 2006
- "Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences"; Estrogen--Progesterone Combination for Treatment-Refractory Postpartum Mania; M. Huang, et al.; February 2008
