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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Laurie Beth on December 18, 2005, at 15:44:39
I am suffering from an extended post-partum depression. Because I felt really good while pregnant, and because I'm only 3 years younger than my mom was when she went through menopause, I am considering seeing a doctor who treats some depression with estrogen patches and/or birth control pills.
I understand that this is done much more frequently in Europe than in the US, where it's hard to find anyone to do it.
Has anyone had any experience with this? Since I'm still cycling regularly, how would the estrogen supplementation work - a low enough dose to prevent complete suppression of cycling? Or trying to mimic a cycle with cyclical estrogen, then estrogen/progesterone?
Thanks for any info anyone can share.
Posted by rjlockhart on December 18, 2005, at 16:05:42
In reply to Estrogen for perimenopausal depression?, posted by Laurie Beth on December 18, 2005, at 15:44:39
Hi,
Im not knowalage much in metapouse, but my mom is going through extreme metapouse thats all i know.
She was on prescription Testosterone, before about 5 years ago, and i dont know why since that is a male hormone. She said something that it balanced something out.
I am sorry, my mom i have seen go through similar symtoms what you describe but she has bad reactions and gets irrtible, and then sometimes just has rages. Not so much with depression part. More anxiety.
Um, well, my suggestion isto go to a specialized therpist, in this area.
Xanax, and Prozac are used for premetaposal symtoms, which are psychiatric drugs, but help. I take Prozac myself. But Prozac has another name especially designed for this condition called Sarafem. Ask about it.
Im sorry i count give advice on estrogen. I need to, because my mom is definely having a inbalance of this.
Take Care
Matt
Posted by Laurie Beth on December 18, 2005, at 16:36:45
In reply to Re: Estrogen for perimenopausal depression?, posted by rjlockhart on December 18, 2005, at 16:05:42
Thanks, Matt. I appreciate your taking time to write, esp when I know you're going through a hard time yourself.
Posted by rjlockhart on December 18, 2005, at 16:59:33
In reply to Re: Estrogen for perimenopausal depression?, posted by Laurie Beth on December 18, 2005, at 16:36:45
dont worry. thanks for appriciation. My mom is going through a similar, but later stage of metapouse, and, well its hard for her and living with. I just know somewhat about this, so i though i would post. Take Care
Matt
Posted by Ed O`Flaherty on December 18, 2005, at 19:45:10
In reply to Re: Estrogen for perimenopausal depression?, posted by rjlockhart on December 18, 2005, at 16:59:33
I live in Ireland and we sometimes prescribe estrogen in perimenopausal women with hot flushes and night sweats which the woman finds intolerable.If the patient has not had a hysterectomy we usually add progesterone too or fit a Mirena coil/i.u.c.d.There is a very small risk of breast cancer so we tend to prescribe HRT only if essential.
Posted by Phillipa on December 18, 2005, at 22:04:44
In reply to Re: Estrogen for perimenopausal depression?, posted by Ed O`Flaherty on December 18, 2005, at 19:45:10
You can have a saliva test done and then compounded natural creams are tailered to your own individual needs. There are compounding pharmacies that do this . Insurance doesn't cover it. But I could never tolerate the synthetic version especially of progesterone. So I struck a balance with my OBGYN during menopause and used the cream. Unfortunately I never had the saliva test and was give estriodol, and the other safe estrogen and not the unsafe one with progesterone cream. No problems with this. Fondly, Phillipa ps there are supposed to be safe but of couse FDA will not do studies on them. I am off them now no night sweats etc.
Posted by platinumbride on December 19, 2005, at 12:22:25
In reply to Re: Estrogen for perimenopausal depression?, posted by Phillipa on December 18, 2005, at 22:04:44
I am going to an endocrinoligist for this very reason.
Someone mentioned the mirena IUD. For me this just worsened my depression, even though it should not have, technically....
Maybe an endocrinologist could help. I'll try and keep you posted about what my experiences are with this.
Perhaps every case is different....maybe estrogen can do it for you, natural progesterone for others (didn't work for me) and maybe still others need testosterone....who can figure this out??? NOT ME!!!!!
Diane
Posted by Laurie Beth on December 21, 2005, at 11:20:53
In reply to Re: Estrogen for perimenopausal depression?, posted by platinumbride on December 19, 2005, at 12:22:25
Diane- Thanks. If I end up going this route and it's helpful, I promise I'll post back.
Posted by Laurie Beth on December 21, 2005, at 11:22:02
In reply to Re: Estrogen for perimenopausal depression?, posted by Phillipa on December 18, 2005, at 22:04:44
Thanks!
Posted by Laurie Beth on December 21, 2005, at 11:24:06
In reply to Re: Estrogen for perimenopausal depression?, posted by Ed O`Flaherty on December 18, 2005, at 19:45:10
This is off the original topic, but I have posted a question to you on the alternative board. Thanks!
This is the end of the thread.
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