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menopausal depression

Posted , 5 users are following.

kat50
kat50

I've suffered from depression on and off for years but each bout didnt last longer than 2 months. I'm now perimenopausal . Have been on a rollercoaster of depression for a year now. I have had the a mirena coil fitted a few weeks ago but my depression seems to have worsened. I will have it removed next week to see if it will help. I'm on anti depressants as well as gels to rub in prescribed by a gynecologist.

Just wondered if anyone can relate to what I'm going through.

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • michelle50768
    michelle50768 kat50

    Posted

    Yes I defo can. Neen in perimenopause eight years im now 48. This last year has been the worst for depression and anxiety. Im on AD mirtazapine 15mg but even thats not helping right now. I have had every perimenopause symptom there is to have.

    Its a long hard journey. Just take one day at a time.

    Sorry I can't offer any advice but im sure someone will be able to on this site.

    Keep talking it helps

    God bless x

  • Lily27232
    Lily27232 kat50

    Posted

    I too have suffered depression for years. Thought I was post menopausal and was actually feeling quite good. However, after 18 months I had a period. Of course had all the tests done. Found cyst on ovary, hysteroscopy done and blood tests. Clear for those. What I have found is how depressed I am again. My hormones definately make it a lot worse. I take a SNRI - venlafaxine (have for 14 years) and more recently Duloxetine. Tried all the SSRIs. Prozac made me feel derealisation and suicidal. The SNRIs work for me but this last week I feel really weepy and approaching 50 feel l am too old to start anew. I just wonder what is left. Feel helpless, useless I could go on all night but I am sure it must be hormonal.
    • kat50
      kat50 Lily27232

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply. I don't wish depression on anyone but its good to know I'm not on my own feeling like this.
  • jennifer01077
    jennifer01077 kat50

    Posted

    Hi Katie,

    I have suffered from continuous depression all my life. It is really effectively treated with anti-depressants, progesterone cream during menopause (maybe it is the gel you are talking about?) and some herbal supplements. 

    I have heard that depression can worsen in some people with progesterone only pills (which the Mirena coil is like? I think?). It is really case by case. It sounds like it in your case. 

    I think basically it is about hormonal balance. Besides progesterone cream, there is also a mixed estrogen-progesterone cream you can order over the internet, and can try. I don't have experience with this. 

    You can also try a different anti-depressant. I use fluvoxamine, it's a kind of old pill, basic, but effective for me. But now there are also SNRI's (serotonin and norephinephrine reuptake inhibitors), which help balance two chemicals in the brain, rather than just one. This might help you.

    As for supplements, a lot of ladies on this site use menopace.

    One thing that is really important for me in preventing depression is the iron level in my blood. It is really important to make sure it is at a good level, that you are not anemic. The doctor can check that easily. I really urge you to check that, especially if your periods are heavy.

    kat, I know how awful the experience of depression is, and sometimes I find the doctors are not so aware of how hard it is (because they can't see it or measure it?). It sounds like your doctors are sympathetic and trying to help. If they don't, get another doctor. 

    My sympathy goes out to you. And fight fight fight for a solution, although the depression is probably saying the opposite to you!

    • kat50
      kat50 jennifer01077

      Posted

      Thank you so much for your reply. My folic acid was low a few months ago so been on folic acid tablets for a while now.
    • jennifer01077
      jennifer01077 kat50

      Posted

      Kat I was taking iron supplements as well, but they weren't enough. I doubled the amount the doctor prescribed and felt much better. My blood tests are really good now, and I've just found a much better doctor. 

      I have heard that a lot of women don't supplement enough. 

      You sound so low, even in your replies. I am so sorry kat.

    • kat50
      kat50 jennifer01077

      Posted

      I've had recent blood tests and my folic acid was ok. Thanks for your reply.
  • susan21149
    susan21149 kat50

    Posted

    Hi Kat50

    Yes i can relate to this been suffering a lot with depression and anxieties i feel like my anxiety medication Ativan is not working to control my anxieties because my heart races when I take it and a lot of palpitations and Ativan is short term so when its out of my body i have to take another one plus i have been depressed crying just really moody and not myself since i have been in menopause can't take zoloft because it hurts my stomach to much celexa caused me a rash so I don't know what to take any more i wanted to go into the psycic ward but they say oh you can do this as an outpaitient its hard really hard because every medication i have been on it causes me reactions plus i can barely eat food because my stomach is so sensitive to me. 

    I don't know what to do just angry and frusterated sad

    • kat50
      kat50 susan21149

      Posted

      Hi Susan , it must me awful to have side effects with meds. I don't know whats working and whats not atm. They don't luke to admit you to hospital nowadays . Have you got good support at home?
    • susan21149
      susan21149 kat50

      Posted

      From my boyfriend And my sister they give me good support can't deal with the stress nobody outside does not want to help me at all
    • kat50
      kat50 susan21149

      Posted

      I have great support from my husband and mum and dad but nobody understands depression unless they've suffered themselves . Have you suffered depression before the menopause?
  • TeresaJS
    TeresaJS kat50

    Posted

    Hi Kat.

    Depression is not an "event" like thing. It has causes... Just by taking chemical ADs it may be masking hormonal, thyroid or other imbalances that are so common during menopause. If you had an emotional shock, or a loss,  then it would be a reson for being depressed. If not then is most likely bio-chemical/hormonal.

    Teresa

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