LAUSR

Little is known about how women with bipolar disorder construct and experience reproductive life events across the lifespan. We analyzed qualitative data from 29 semi-structured interviews with women aged 22-63 years (reproductive, menopause and post-menopause phases) using thematic analysis through a social constructionist framework. Themes of "Losing a sense of self-agency and self-worth" contained accounts of feeling out of control because of both bipolar disorder and reproductive life events. "Building a sense of personal autonomy and positive self-image" included accounts of acceptance and management of mood change over time, particularly for women in menopause and post-menopause life phases.