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A chemical imbalance can causebipolar disorder.

Genetics is also a key contributor to bipolar disorder.

It is important to note that the chemical imbalance sparked by malfunctioning neurotransmitters can be hereditary.

person in therapy session

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In turn, genetics and chemical imbalances are intrinsically linked to one another.

We can think of neurotransmitters as the bodys messengers.

They send information from one cell to the next, dictating essential functions like breathing andcognition.

Which Hormones Contribute to a Chemical Imbalance?

For example, reproductive events like pregnancy and childbirth may result in something calledpostpartum psychosis.

Researchers believe that lowestrogenlevels are the culprit for the chemical imbalance that triggers bipolar disorder symptoms like psychosis.

This same article found that symptoms subsided after receiving estrogen treatments.

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, etc.)

are chemicals that helpneuronscommunicate.

For those with bipolar disorders, the ability of these neurotransmitters to function correctly is impaired.

When these neurotransmitters are affected, sleep, sexual function, and mood can be impacted.

Below are some neurotransmitters that are affected in people with bipolar disorder.

How Can Genetics Influence a Chemical Imbalance?

Some may wonder howgeneticsmight influence a chemical imbalance.

Researchers suspect that biochemical abnormalities may be genetic, though they acknowledge that research is lacking on this subject.

You are much more than any one condition you may live with.

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