Hi, Am 42 and really experiencing mood swings with this peri stuff! I posted this same question on the depression message board. I am on Effexor which has helped and also bioidenticals, but this past month I was doing well, but then my period hit and wow, I started on a downward spiral and today (day 11) I was really weepy with anxiety. I tend to feel down until I ovulate, then seems to get better. Anyone else experience this?

There is a significant amount of data that supports the theory that estradiol and progesterone have a significant impact on elevating serotonin levels, as well as a significant impact on other important neurotransmitters such as dopamine and GABA. A pharmacist from Bellevue Pharmacy wrote an article on this subject that may be helpful. Click here (or post this in your browser) to read the full article:
https://www.bellevuerx.com/ArticlesDetails.aspx?ArticleID=7

Paul Hueseman, Pharm.D.

Hi Karlie

I am 42 also and do suffer with depression at around ovulation and after my period.
I do not take anything for it, but it is definitely hormone related.
I can plot it on my perimenopause chart each month and really see a pattern.
I try not to plan anything too rigorous in my life around these times.
I also make sure I eat a good red meat meal after my period to build up my
iron levels quickly.

Hope this helps.

PS From my symptomes I think I am in the last stage of Perimenopause
I haven't skipped a period yet, but don't think it will be far off.

Hi Karlie

I am 42 also and do suffer with depression at around ovulation and after my period.
I do not take anything for it, but it is definitely hormone related.
I can plot it on my perimenopause chart each month and really see a pattern.
I try not to plan anything too rigorous in my life around these times.
I also make sure I eat a good red meat meal after my period to build up my
iron levels quickly.

Hope this helps.

PS From my symptoms I think I am in the last stage of Perimenopause
I haven't skipped a period yet, but don't think it will be far off.

Me too. I seem to be worse emotionally after my period (days 4-12 or so). I have spells other times as well, but that seems to be the time when I go for a few days of depression and/or anxiety. I am currently taking lexapro 10 mg. which has helped control the adrenaline surges and panic attacks but the depression/anxiety is still there.

Hi Karlie,
I am going through this right now. Yesterday was the last day of my period. Today just mild spotting. I thought I was feeling OK, but I spoke too soon. Its about 9:00 pm and I just took a bath because I could not get warm. Now I feel run down and too hot. Also the weird fatigue and anxiety has just now kicked in. My brain has started the "body scan" for reasons why I feel like crap. This is such a vicious cycle. It's like boxing. Just when you think the round is about over and your still standing......bam...you get cold cocked from behind. It's funny because yesterday I was so wired that I felt like someone pumped me with adrenaline. I am going to be 49. Would someone just wake me up when this is over!!!!!!!!!!!!!