OBJECTIVES: Little is known about the impact of female reproductive hormones on the course of bipolar disorder (BD). This study aims to investigate the incidence of hypomanic symptoms assessed by the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) in the postpartum period and the menstrual period in order to assess the early detection and management of BD during these events.

METHODS: During an event held in a public place organized by the Faculty of Medicine, 319 women (mean age of 29 years old ± 15,0), with a minimum of 12 and maximum of 78 years, were interviewed with the MDQ (sensitivity =0.72; specificity =0.95) adding two questions about the worsening of the symptoms close to the menstrual period and puerperium.

RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between the postpartum worsening of symptoms and a positive score obtained in the MDQ (Spearman= 0,183; p<0.001). In this group 30,5% of the women presented a positive MDQ, while in the whole sample this percentage was of 16,3%. At the pre-menstrual period, 50.5% of the women interviewed reported an increase of symptoms, however we found no statistically significant correlation (Spearman= 0,013; p= 0,820) with the MDQ scores obtained.

CONCLUSION: All women receiving antenatal care should be screened for personal and family history of BD due to the prevalent nature of it. We still need further study in these areas to deliver proper care to these women and prevent the potentially severe consequences for its misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.