Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 5759

Shown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Ovary Removal and Depression

Posted by Gigi on May 8, 1999, at 19:11:36

I was wondering if any woman had experienced depression since having an ovary removed. In October my right ovary was removed, but I still have the left one.
I am 36 years old and the doctors do not think that removal of one ovary could cause the depth of depression I am experiencing, however, anti-depressants are not
helping and the depression seems to be getting worse. If anyone has had any experience in this area, or have any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you in advance and wishing us all a brighter tomorrow!

 

Re: Ovary Removal and Depression

Posted by Annie on May 9, 1999, at 10:05:49

In reply to Ovary Removal and Depression, posted by Gigi on May 8, 1999, at 19:11:36

I had my ovaries removed last year and a week later started having extreme panic attacks, lasting days at a time. I was severely depressed prior to the surgery, and with all the pain medications, I didn't notice an increase in the normal depressive symptoms. When I went on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), the panic attacks stopped. Have they tested your hormone levels? Perhaps your remaining ovary is not functioning.

> I was wondering if any woman had experienced depression since having an ovary removed. In October my right ovary was removed, but I still have the left one.
> I am 36 years old and the doctors do not think that removal of one ovary could cause the depth of depression I am experiencing, however, anti-depressants are not
> helping and the depression seems to be getting worse. If anyone has had any experience in this area, or have any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it.
> Thank you in advance and wishing us all a brighter tomorrow!

 

Re: Ovary Removal and Depression

Posted by Gigi on May 9, 1999, at 13:46:09

In reply to Re: Ovary Removal and Depression, posted by Annie on May 9, 1999, at 10:05:49

Thanks so much for your input. I have an odd question for you, but how do they
test your hormone levels? And I just want you to know how much I feel to hear
someone's story; thanks for sharing!

 

Re: Ovary Removal and Depression

Posted by Victoria on May 10, 1999, at 20:14:21

In reply to Re: Ovary Removal and Depression, posted by Gigi on May 9, 1999, at 13:46:09

Hormone levels can be tested by a blood test (there is also a saliva test, but I'm not sure if it is as reliable). If you are having periods, the most thorough approach is to test on day 1 and day 20 of your cycle, as estrogen and progesterone vary throughout the month. You may have to be somewhat assertive to get these tests done; I had trouble finding a doctor who would do them, but going on HRT has been a big help for me.


> Thanks so much for your input. I have an odd question for you, but how do they
> test your hormone levels? And I just want you to know how much I feel to hear
> someone's story; thanks for sharing!

 

Re: Ovary Removal and Depression

Posted by Trish on May 12, 1999, at 20:30:12

In reply to Ovary Removal and Depression, posted by Gigi on May 8, 1999, at 19:11:36

I began a severe episode of depression and anxiety when I was 38 after not experiencing any for 8 plus years. I had hormone test done but they come back normal. I also had an ovary and tube removed but many years earlier. I have read that even though our hormones are within the 'normal' range, Hormone replacement therapy can be beneficial for depression. I began taking hormone shots and felt better after about 6 of them. Talk to your Dr. about this and research it on the web, because many Drs. do not believe in this.

 

Re: Ovary Removal and Depression

Posted by Joanne on May 12, 1999, at 20:37:09

In reply to Ovary Removal and Depression, posted by Gigi on May 8, 1999, at 19:11:36

Gigi,

I hope I can help you like you helped me! I'm 37, had one of my ovaries removed
about 4 years ago, and almost a year ago when I first started being aware of my
own problems with depression, my doctor did test me for a hormone imbalance.
All the tests came back normal on that end... but... the depression didn't get
any better. Now, I am finally feeling half sane on the Zoloft I've been taking
for the last 2 months and I don't think having the ovary removed had anything
to do with it. I remember what my OB/GYN told me after my surgery... to expect
problems at about 10 years after the surgery.
I don't know if my experiences help, but I hope the words too. If you'd like,
feel free to email me directly.
Good luck and keep me posted... I care.

Joanne

 

Re: Ovary Removal and Depression

Posted by ruth on May 17, 1999, at 9:30:13

In reply to Re: Ovary Removal and Depression, posted by Joanne on May 12, 1999, at 20:37:09

>How Fascinating! I had my right ovary removed
when I was only 16. I'm 30 years old now and have
dealt for years with depression. Never would have
thought to link the two. (I'm also wondering Jo
Anne, why you're doctor told you to expect problems
10 years down the line? What sorts of problems?).
Is hormone testing expensive--I feel cynical about
HMO's--they're so cheap they won't hardly pay for
anything other than a regular check up :-(

 

Re: Ovary Removal and Depression

Posted by Gigi on June 7, 1999, at 19:18:40

In reply to Re: Ovary Removal and Depression, posted by ruth on May 17, 1999, at 9:30:13

I just returned from my ob-gyn this afternoon and he ran several hormone tests (blood tests), I am not sure what the price would be as fortunately my insurance covers that. After explaining my various problems since removal of an ovary; depression, weight gain, etc. he felt it was a good idea to check hormone levels. Additionally he is starting me on Zoloft. To everyone that responded to my post, thank you and I will keep you informed as time progresses (I should know end of this week if it is hormonal).


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