[The impact of the menopausal transition on the course of bipolar disorder].

BACKGROUND

Reproductive hormones in women very likely play an important role in mood disorders. However, little is known about the impact of the menopausal transition on the course of bipolar disorder.

AIM: To get an overview of the impact of the menopausal transition on the course of bipolar disorder.

METHOD: Databases (PubMed, Embase and PsycInfo) were searched for relevant articles according to the PRISMA-2020 guidelines. Inclusion criteria were: (a) patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder; (b) clinical information about bipolar disorder and menopausal transition; (c) English-language articles; (d) retrospective and prospective studies.

RESULTS

The ten included articles showed an increased risk for depressive episodes during the menopausal transition in women with bipolar disorder. Furthermore, the menopausal transition appears to be a potential trigger of bipolar disorder onset.

CONCLUSION

The menopausal transition seems to affect the course of bipolar disorder. Further research is required to clarify underlying mechanisms and make treatments available.