We and others have previously reported high rates of menstrual and endocrine dysfunction in women with bipolar disorder (BD). Specifically we have reported high rates of insulin resistance, obesity, and hyperlipidemia in women with BD in several studies (Rasgon et al., 2002, 2005, 2008; Vemuri et al., 2008). Controversy exists as to whether these abnormalities are caused by the mood stabilizing medications used in the treatment of BD, or if these abnormalities are caused by the illness itself. Neurotrophins, cytokines, and inflammatory markers too have been implicated in the pathophysiology of BD. Some of these biomarkers may be decreased in symptomatic patients with BD, but not in euthymic patients (Lin, 2009; De Berardid et al., 2008).

Our data to date suggest that the metabolic dysfunction observed in patients with BD may not be related to psychotropic medications used in treating the disorder, but rather is more specific to the affective illness itself (Stemmle et al., 2009). This presentation will review our and others data ascertaining relationship between biomarkers of reproductive and metabolic function with neurotrophins, cytokines, and inflammatory markers in women with pharmacologically-treated BD. Specific predictors for development such abnormalities will be proposed.