Living with bipolar 1 sometimes means having other conditions as well. “I have bipolar, asthma, diabetes, and hypothyroidism,” one MyDepressionTeam member said.

It’s a good idea to know which conditions may occur along with bipolar 1. Here are five physical issues commonly associated with bipolar disorder.

What’s the Link Between Bipolar 1 and Other Conditions?

Bipolar 1 is a lifelong mood disorder. It’s diagnosed when someone has a manic episode that lasts for at least a week.

A manic episode is a period of high energy and intense happiness. Sometimes (but not always) episodes of depression follow the mania.

Treating bipolar disorder involves psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Caring for physical health matters too. People with bipolar disorder are at increased risk for certain conditions that require attention from a healthcare provider.

Commonly used medications in the treatment of bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers such as lithium, antipsychotics, and antidepressants. Antidepressants alone may increase the risk of mood switching, so they’re typically used in combination with other drugs.

Side effects of these medications — as well as family history — can be risk factors for some bipolar disorder comorbidities (other conditions that affect the same person).

There can also be some overlap in the symptoms of bipolar disorder and other health conditions, which can make it hard to tell them apart.

Up to 39 percent of people with bipolar disorder also have migraine. The most well-known symptom of migraine is a headache.

Other symptoms of migraine can include:

• Visual disturbances such as an aura (seeing light streaks or flashes)
• Sensitivity to noise or light
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain on one or both sides of the head

Why Bipolar Increases Migraine Risk

Bipolar disorder and migraine headaches often go hand-in-hand. But health experts aren’t exactly sure why. Some factors that could increase the risk of both conditions include:

• Genetics
• High inflammation levels
• Oxidative stress (damaging molecules in the body)
• History of abuse in childhood

You can work with your doctor to create a migraine treatment plan. Part of this is learning what triggers your migraine attacks and avoiding those triggers. You may also take medication to treat your migraine during an episode or a preventive drug you take daily.

Some medications, such as anti-seizure medications, can help treat both migraine and bipolar disorder. Let your doctor know if you think you’re having migraine symptoms, so you can get the right treatment in place.

An underactive thyroid is also known as hypothyroidism. It occurs when the thyroid gland can’t make enough thyroid hormones to meet the body’s needs. Studies show that more than 12 percent of people with bipolar disorder may also have thyroid disorders.

It’s important to note that thyroid problems are a possible side effect of lithium. Be sure to discuss possible symptoms with your psychiatrist and your primary care physician. They should check your thyroid function regularly if you’re on lithium therapy.

The symptoms of an underactive thyroid are:

• Tiredness
• Lack of energy
• Decreased heart rate
• Weight gain
• Dry skin
• Intolerance to cold
• Hair loss

Tiredness and lack of energy from hypothyroidism can mimic the depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder. Your healthcare provider can diagnose thyroid disease by asking about your symptoms, doing blood tests, and taking images of your thyroid.

Synthetic thyroid hormone is an approved treatment for an underactive thyroid. But too much thyroid hormone can make mood symptoms worse. Work with your healthcare provider to find the right balance to treat hypothyroidism without unwanted side effects from overtreatment.

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition among people with and without bipolar disorder. But if you already have bipolar, managing diabetes can create an added challenge.

Diabetes is a condition where levels of sugar in the blood can become too high because of problems with the hormone insulin. Normally, insulin helps keep blood sugar levels in the normal range.

In diabetes, people may not make enough insulin or their bodies may not use insulin properly. As a result, they have high blood sugar that can cause short-term problems and long-term complications.

The major symptoms of diabetes include:

• Frequent hunger and thirst
• Sudden weight loss
• Tiredness
• Increased urination
• Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
• Blurry vision
• Sores that won’t heal

Weight gain can be a common issue with bipolar disorder. This can contribute to diabetes risk.

There are many treatment options for diabetes. These include medications and lifestyle changes, such as increasing exercise and eating a nutritious diet. People who have both diabetes and bipolar disorder are more likely to have health complications from diabetes.

It’s best to see your healthcare provider regularly. They may order blood tests to check for early signs of diabetes. Or they may help you come up with a treatment plan to manage your blood sugar levels.

High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. It’s a common cause of heart disease. Studies suggest that 31 percent of people with bipolar disorder have high blood pressure.

Antidepressants and antipsychotic medications are often prescribed for bipolar disorder. But they can come with certain side effects.

Some medications increase the risk of weight gain, insulin resistance, and high cholesterol. Your doctor can help you weigh the pros and cons of your treatment options.

In addition, high blood pressure can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Because of these risks, it’s important to manage this condition with your psychiatrist and primary care doctor. There are medications and lifestyle changes that can help improve heart health.

People with bipolar disorder are also more likely to have asthma. Asthma is a medical condition where the airways in the lungs become inflamed and narrowed. This restricts airflow and causes wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness or pain in the chest, and coughing.

Environmental triggers, such as pollen and dust, can worsen symptoms. Additionally, symptoms of asthma can interrupt sleep and day-to-day life. There’s no cure for asthma. But treatment can help keep it under control.

Be sure to tell any clinician about your bipolar diagnosis before you are prescribed any asthma medication. Steroids can be used in the treatment of asthma, but they can also worsen a manic episode.

Speak With Your Doctor

While the medical conditions covered here are common in the bipolar disorder community, they’re not the only physical illnesses you may have. Other conditions to keep an eye out for are:

• Epilepsy (seizure disorders)
• Digestive problems
• High cholesterol

Likewise, many other psychiatric disorders are common with bipolar disorder. These include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Substance use disorders
• Eating disorders

If you think you or a loved one is having any new physical or mental health issues, follow up with your healthcare provider. Managing or preventing the comorbid conditions discussed in this article could give you a better quality of life. Make sure each doctor you see knows about all of your diagnoses to ensure you receive the best support.