199: Navigating Hormonal Shifts Living with Bipolar

Live Well Bipolar ™

Navigating Hormonal Changes in Women Living with Bipolar Disorder

In this episode, Paris welcomes back Melissa Howard, a mental health advocate and writer, to discuss the intricate relationship between hormonal changes and bipolar disorder in women.

Melissa shares her personal journey, including her diagnosis with bipolar disorder at 19, experiencing significant mood disruptions associated with hormonal changes such as puberty, the use of birth control pills, and the impacts of pregnancy and menopause on her bipolar symptoms.

She highlights the challenges of managing bipolar disorder alongside hormone-related health issues like endometriosis and the drastic changes post-hysterectomy leading to menopause.

Through her story, Melissa emphasizes the importance of routine, diet, minimizing stress, and working closely with healthcare professionals to manage the complexities of bipolar disorder influenced by hormonal changes.

The episode aims to shed light on the often-overlooked interplay between hormones and mental health in women living with bipolar disorder.

Connect with Melissa here!

00:00 Welcome to Live Well, Bipolar: A Deep Dive into Hormonal Changes and Bipolar Disorder

00:22 Introducing Melissa Howard: Mental Health Advocate and Bipolar Disorder Expert

02:53 Melissa's Personal Journey: From Hormonal Imbalance to Bipolar Diagnosis

09:19 Understanding the Impact of Hormonal Changes on Bipolar Disorder

13:19 Navigating Pregnancy, Medication, and Bipolar Disorder

34:50 Lifestyle Changes and Managing Bipolar Disorder in Menopause

39:34 Closing Thoughts and Where to Connect with Melissa