although the rate is equal among the genders women are more likely to develop bipolar ii disorder. while manic episodes are milder than in men they still alternate with depression. women are also at higher risk for rapid cycling of symptoms which some believe may be linked to fluctuations in reproductive hormones or the activity of the thyroid gland. women are more frequently misdiagnosed as having depression only and prescribed antidepressant medication. this often exacerbates the rapid cycling of symptoms. the hormonal changes of perimenopause and menopause frequently worsen symptoms of bipolar disorder; hormone therapy may help. additionally changes in medication regimens may become necessary during this time to offset the influence of hormonal disruptions.
are women affected by bipolar disorder any differently than men?