A recent study has revealed a staggering 112% increase in bipolar disorder among women during the perimenopausal period, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and support for mental health issues during this critical life transition. Conducted by Cardiff University in collaboration with the Bio Bank - United Kingdom and the Bipolar Organization - United Kingdom, the research analyzed data from 128,294 British women and found that the occurrence of major depressive disorder also rose by 30%.
Perimenopause, which precedes menopause, is characterized by symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, and brain fog. Professor Ariana Di Florio from Cardiff University emphasized the significance of this study, stating that it sheds light on the tangible impact of menopausal transitions on women's mental health. Many women who previously experienced no severe mental health issues reported the onset of such conditions during this period.
Claire Dolman, a People’s UK Ambassador and supervisor of patient engagement in the project, echoed these sentiments, asserting that hormonal changes play a critical role in mood disorders. The findings, published in Nature Mental Health, aim to empower women with knowledge about their mental health risks during perimenopause, potentially saving lives by enabling timely intervention and support.
