Professional help is the first thing. However, with a "monthly cycle" - it may be more than just bipolar disorder. That's an extremely fast up and down swing. 4 cycles a year is considered "rapid" for a bipolar individual - your talking 12 cycles a year.
At the risk of complicating the issue - how does this coincide with her menstrual cycle? Its very likely this could be related to the hormonal changes she goes through, and if so - her OB/GYN would be a good first step to talk to. Especially since she seems adverse to being "stigmatized" with a diagnosis. If its not hormonally related, the door has opened so that it will be easier to get her more professional treatment.
If she is unwilling - and you are determined to help her through this - then you can also enlist the aid of a homeopath to start. A good one can provide her with a diet that will help "balance" some of those brain chemicals that cause the episodes you see. Its not as good as a professional in the field, but you can't MAKE her do what is needed - and its sometimes wise not to jump into mental health conclusions. You go see a Dr. with "we think she has XYZ" and they are likely to just confirm it and treat the symptoms - not the cause.
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Good Hunting!
Captain Haplo
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