Menopause represents a major hormonal transition with profound effects on mood, sleep, and overall well-being. For individuals living with bipolar disorder, this period may carry unique challenges, yet surprisingly little research exists to guide clinical care. In this webinar, we will first review the physiology of menopause, focusing on hormonal fluctuations and their potential impact on mood regulation. We will then examine the limited evidence linking menopause to bipolar disorder. Drawing on our own study, we will summarize key findings suggesting that some individuals without previous experience of bipolar disorder may experience increased vulnerability to mood shifts during this transition. Finally, we will discuss practical considerations for clinicians and patients, including monitoring strategies and individualized approaches to care, and underscore the urgent need for further research. This session aims to provide a balanced, evidence-informed perspective on an understudied but clinically important topic.
Professor Arianna Di Florio is a Professor of Psychiatry at Cardiff University and an Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. She also holds an honorary academic position at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she trained in reproductive mental health. She has contributed to the advancement of women’s mental health globally, advising governments, public bodies, and third-sector organizations. Her research has informed clinical guidelines for treating women with bipolar disorder, supported recognition of postpartum psychosis, and more recently linked perimenopause to new onset bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. She has received competitive funding from Welsh, UK, European Union, and United States institutions, including a prestigious European Research Council.