I've had a few requests over the years to create a forum for those suffering with serious mental health disorders, such as bi-polar disorder, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorder, et al, and the additional complications they experience going through menopause at the same time due to the disorder itself and/or the medications they require to control their mental health issues.

Therefore, I have created this forum BUT I have added to the original which focused only on mental health disorders - physical disorders as well, i.e., those sufering with various auto-immune disorders, such as lupus, fibromyalgia, rhematoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, et al.

This forum is not intended for those suffering with the anxiety, depression, panic attacks, mood swings, anger, et al, that often accompany the menopausal transition (we already have forums for those subjects). However, if severe anxiety, panic attack disorder, bi-polar disorder, severe depression, schizophrenia, were mental health issues prior to entering perimenopause OR have developed during perimenopause, this may be the forum for you.

Let's feel our way through this. I'm sure those of you sufering from the various mental & physical health disorders KNOW if this forum is appropriate for you.

Feel free to create new topics for any mental health disorder you may be suffering from.

Dearest

I guess my main concern, as I embark on educating myself about menopause, is knowing what remedies I can safely combine with my bipolar meds. As I read about menopause, I think to myself, "well this is bipolar--with physical symptoms added on. Imagine living with these mood swings from the time you hit puberty!" So I've managed my bipolar fairly successfully with proper meds for the last 10 years. Thing is, many herbal or natural remedies contraindicate with bipolar meds-herbals like St. John's Wort and Ginseng, Ma Huang, etc. I even have to watch out for those new fangled beverages that add herbal ingredients. Luckily, my psychiatrist diagnosed my hypothyroidism a couple years after my manic-depression diagnosis. So I've been taking thyroid replacement for over 15 years with no change in dosage. Frankly, my two main concerns at this point are the terrible itching spells I get on my arms that leave scars if I don't ice them immediately or get my special prescription cream in time. Very uncomfortable itching and unsightly sores. The second symptom is the bloating before my period. Honestly, I look 3 months pregnant at its height, and it's embarrassing.
I've been taking fish oil for over 10 years now, and I take a women's multi-vitamin every night since forever. Any immediate suggestions for the awful arm itching and belly balloon bloating? Any advice about supplements I should definitely stay away from with bipolar meds like Zoloft, Effexor, and Lamictal?

Hi 12Lexy;

Bipolar Disorder is a difficult illness to live with. It had taken since 1992 until 2004 for a true diagnosis. Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Anxiety Disorder and Seasonal Affective Disorder. " I don't really like the hand that I have been dealt". Now add the additional 3 to 5 years for the right medication cocktail and 4 hospitalizations. ( I DO NOT HAVE A THYROID PROBLEM ). I was not yelling, just excluding other people's previous suggestions.

I was taking Lithium for about 18 months and it took away the Manic episodes but left the Depressive side still very strong. My psychiatrist tried to combine it with Welbutrin, which brought on "Lithium Toxicity". Sick as a dog. Since then, my primary psychiatric meds for Bipolar are Mood stabilizers, Lamotrigen and Epivale, and for my anxiety disorder, Clonazepam. The two mood stabilizers which have worked quite well for me. Mind you, every person is different.
My psychiatrist is weening me off of Seroquel now, 25 mgs every 3 weeks, at bedtime. By September, I should be seroquel free. Hopefully this will get rid of the last of the Depressive side of the Bipolar equation.

My psychiatrist has told me that to add an antidepressant, "ANY ANTIDEPRESANT" to my cocktail mix would probably trigger a Manic episode, (even though I sometimes crave the Mania, I'll stick with his advice). I believe any action which you might take should be at the direction of your Psychiatrist. Also, So many of the herbals just mask symptoms, and should you stop, CRASH!!!!!.

Sorry: I have not experienced any itching incidents so I cannot reply to that. Could it be an allergic reaction to something?

RE: Periods and Bloating. I remember them well. I went from having a 3 day period to a 16 day period in a matter of 2 to 4 months. "YELLOW LIGHT", Something could be wrong. I had a full hysterectomy in March and a Biopsy of my Uterus confirmed Cancer. Now, no more periods, no more bloating, and the cancer was entirely Inutero, having only gone slightly past the 50% to 60% thickness of the Uterine wall. I feel safer now without any chance of either cervical or ovarian cancers, and other than the new full menopause hot flashes, (Power Surges) I feel fewer mood swings. (P.S. - I'm 49.)

I realize that I have been sort of all over the place with my reply, however, I hope that some of the things I've mentioned actually apply to your questions. Pick and choose any items that you may feel apply to you.

Best Regards. Linderful

Hi, your topic mentions also dealing with meno while having other physical disorders, can this include Lupus or any other physical issues?

I am so new to this . I am very interested in knowing more about this topic. Please let me know if I connected to you.