In summary, women with bipolar disorder were found to have significantly more depression and mood elevation symptoms during the late MT and early postmenopause compared to late reproductive age and early MT women.
Overall, absolute levels and variability in FSH and estradiol were not associated with concurrent depression or mood elevation mood ratings despite an initial positive association of estradiol level and YMRS score at first visit.
Menopausal symptoms, but not specifically VMS, were associated with concurrent depression but not mood elevation severity.
A history of postpartum mood exacerbations may be associated with greater mood elevation symptoms during the MT. Further studies of greater duration are needed to discern whether the final menstrual period is pivotal in mood pattern in the late MT to early postmenopausal years. Knowing that, greater mood severity symptoms occurred during times of greater hormonal variability during the menopausal transition (the late MT and early postmenopause) may offer an
opportunity to examine novel hormonal approaches to mood stability in women with bipolar disorder.