Hi Everyone,
Thank you for this forum. And than kyou in advance for any feedback you can offer.
I am 46 with two little boys. Often have some anxieity (what mother doesn't?) about how fast they are growing. Youngest just entered kindergarden (going from 3 days of school per week to 5). I was very upset that day, to say the least. Severe depresion came on literally overnight; (that was two weeks ago). This after having experienced severe peri syptoms (tried Pg cream a couple of cycles prior and had been taking Chastetree Extract forever). Given the fact that I'd had severe depression three times over fiveyears ago during my childbearing years (all related to losses), phsychiatrist felt it best to immediately put me on what worked before (Effexor and Lorazapam). Given the critical state I was (am) in, I have to agree with that move. I have SEVERE depression and anxiety. What I can't stop thinking about is that the doc is dismissing the possibility of my peri symptoms/hormonal state having anything to do with my mental state/crisis. Any comments? Any suggestions re doctors that are sensitive to the connection and are willing to do the right testing (e.g. saliva) and provide natural/bioidentical support, if needed? I AM DESPERATE to get myself bak to the normal active, healthy momy who loves life. PLEASE HELP! THANK YOU!
Power Surge Forums > Board Discussions > Depression (Menopause Related) / Anti-depressants / The Blues / Sadness
QUOTE (JulieKahn @ Sep 11 2009, 10:48 PM) 
Hi Everyone,
Thank you for this forum. And than kyou in advance for any feedback you can offer.
I am 46 with two little boys. Often have some anxieity (what mother doesn't?) about how fast they are growing. Youngest just entered kindergarden (going from 3 days of school per week to 5). I was very upset that day, to say the least. Severe depresion came on literally overnight; (that was two weeks ago). This after having experienced severe peri syptoms (tried Pg cream a couple of cycles prior and had been taking Chastetree Extract forever). Given the fact that I'd had severe depression three times over fiveyears ago during my childbearing years (all related to losses), phsychiatrist felt it best to immediately put me on what worked before (Effexor and Lorazapam). Given the critical state I was (am) in, I have to agree with that move. I have SEVERE depression and anxiety. What I can't stop thinking about is that the doc is dismissing the possibility of my peri symptoms/hormonal state having anything to do with my mental state/crisis. Any comments? Any suggestions re doctors that are sensitive to the connection and are willing to do the right testing (e.g. saliva) and provide natural/bioidentical support, if needed? I AM DESPERATE to get myself bak to the normal active, healthy momy who loves life. PLEASE HELP! THANK YOU!
Thank you for this forum. And than kyou in advance for any feedback you can offer.
I am 46 with two little boys. Often have some anxieity (what mother doesn't?) about how fast they are growing. Youngest just entered kindergarden (going from 3 days of school per week to 5). I was very upset that day, to say the least. Severe depresion came on literally overnight; (that was two weeks ago). This after having experienced severe peri syptoms (tried Pg cream a couple of cycles prior and had been taking Chastetree Extract forever). Given the fact that I'd had severe depression three times over fiveyears ago during my childbearing years (all related to losses), phsychiatrist felt it best to immediately put me on what worked before (Effexor and Lorazapam). Given the critical state I was (am) in, I have to agree with that move. I have SEVERE depression and anxiety. What I can't stop thinking about is that the doc is dismissing the possibility of my peri symptoms/hormonal state having anything to do with my mental state/crisis. Any comments? Any suggestions re doctors that are sensitive to the connection and are willing to do the right testing (e.g. saliva) and provide natural/bioidentical support, if needed? I AM DESPERATE to get myself bak to the normal active, healthy momy who loves life. PLEASE HELP! THANK YOU!
First, I want to say I'm sorry you are struggling. I have been and still to some degree have been there. I don't know your financials but if you can't find a Dr. within your health insurance provider list that is learned in hormonal issues and open to listening to you and helping then you may have to go out of network to a Dr. who will do those tests. I warn you it can get expensive. 46 is not too young to consider erratic hormones, the thing is that testing is just a snapshot of that moment in time, but, at least it gives you a bit of an idea. Though if you are cycling it can take a lot of trial and error with hormones. Also, if you already suffered with anxiety and depression prior to going into peri and you are predisposed to that then when your hormones go haywire it can make it feel worse. I had terrible anxiety/depression/panic and Lexapro seems to be working for that with some Xanax thrown in for good measure. You have two little ones, so I know you have to be able to keep up with them. You just have to try and be your own advocate and don't give up until you find a Dr. willing to respect your feelings about your body and listen to you. It shouldn't be such a big deal to get those tests done if you want them. But, some Dr.s are stuck in the stoneage. I wish you the best. Take care. Mich
oops... I have been there and to some degree still am. Peri brain strikes for the 1,000,001 time, lol
oops... I have been there and to some degree still am. Peri brain strikes for the 1,000,001 time, lol
QUOTE (michuganna @ Sep 12 2009, 12:00 AM)
First, I want to say I'm sorry you are struggling. I have been and still to some degree have been there. I don't know your financials but if you can't find a Dr. within your health insurance provider list that is learned in hormonal issues and open to listening to you and helping then you may have to go out of network to a Dr. who will do those tests. I warn you it can get expensive. 46 is not too young to consider erratic hormones, the thing is that testing is just a snapshot of that moment in time, but, at least it gives you a bit of an idea. Though if you are cycling it can take a lot of trial and error with hormones. Also, if you already suffered with anxiety and depression prior to going into peri and you are predisposed to that then when your hormones go haywire it can make it feel worse. I had terrible anxiety/depression/panic and Lexapro seems to be working for that with some Xanax thrown in for good measure. You have two little ones, so I know you have to be able to keep up with them. You just have to try and be your own advocate and don't give up until you find a Dr. willing to respect your feelings about your body and listen to you. It shouldn't be such a big deal to get those tests done if you want them. But, some Dr.s are stuck in the stoneage. I wish you the best. Take care. Mich
QUOTE (michuganna @ Sep 12 2009, 12:00 AM)
First, I want to say I'm sorry you are struggling. I have been and still to some degree have been there. I don't know your financials but if you can't find a Dr. within your health insurance provider list that is learned in hormonal issues and open to listening to you and helping then you may have to go out of network to a Dr. who will do those tests. I warn you it can get expensive. 46 is not too young to consider erratic hormones, the thing is that testing is just a snapshot of that moment in time, but, at least it gives you a bit of an idea. Though if you are cycling it can take a lot of trial and error with hormones. Also, if you already suffered with anxiety and depression prior to going into peri and you are predisposed to that then when your hormones go haywire it can make it feel worse. I had terrible anxiety/depression/panic and Lexapro seems to be working for that with some Xanax thrown in for good measure. You have two little ones, so I know you have to be able to keep up with them. You just have to try and be your own advocate and don't give up until you find a Dr. willing to respect your feelings about your body and listen to you. It shouldn't be such a big deal to get those tests done if you want them. But, some Dr.s are stuck in the stoneage. I wish you the best. Take care. Mich
QUOTE (michuganna @ Sep 12 2009, 12:00 AM)
First, I want to say I'm sorry you are struggling. I have been and still to some degree have been there. I don't know your financials but if you can't find a Dr. within your health insurance provider list that is learned in hormonal issues and open to listening to you and helping then you may have to go out of network to a Dr. who will do those tests. I warn you it can get expensive. 46 is not too young to consider erratic hormones, the thing is that testing is just a snapshot of that moment in time, but, at least it gives you a bit of an idea. Though if you are cycling it can take a lot of trial and error with hormones. Also, if you already suffered with anxiety and depression prior to going into peri and you are predisposed to that then when your hormones go haywire it can make it feel worse. I had terrible anxiety/depression/panic and Lexapro seems to be working for that with some Xanax thrown in for good measure. You have two little ones, so I know you have to be able to keep up with them. You just have to try and be your own advocate and don't give up until you find a Dr. willing to respect your feelings about your body and listen to you. It shouldn't be such a big deal to get those tests done if you want them. But, some Dr.s are stuck in the stoneage. I wish you the best. Take care. Mich
Thank you, Mich. Trouble is that I don't know whether an endocronologist, ob is appropriate, assuming that each can address my hormonal isuesin a gentle, caring, holistic way with Bior identical estrogen and/or natural projgesterone. Then there are these clinics I see scattered across the country. Currenly schdeuled with an OB at the Manyo in PHoenix.
QUOTE (JulieKahn @ Sep 12 2009, 03:51 PM)
Thank you, Mich. Trouble is that I don't know whether an endocronologist, ob is appropriate, assuming that each can address my hormonal isuesin a gentle, caring, holistic way with Bior identical estrogen and/or natural projgesterone. Then there are these clinics I see scattered across the country. Currenly schdeuled with an OB at the Manyo in PHoenix.
Sorry for the spelling... mean to say the MAYO in Phoenix (with an OB). Any really good experiences out there with particular doctors/clinics? I am happy to travel if I have to. Thanks again!!
Hi Julie--
I am 45 with two kids a bit older than yours and this spring had a bad bout of depression and panic anxiety with no situational cause. I was sure it was hormone related as it coincided with some other symptoms of changing hormones. My last anxiety/depression had occurred when I was 37 and breastfeeding for a year, so I think mine like yours is hugely hormone sensitive.
I skipped the hormone testing as I was still having fairly regular periods and during early peri your hormones can change month to month anyway. While I was interested in natural hormones, it seemed confusing to have to keep adjusting them as my hormones roller coastered. I went on the same AD that worked before for me (Celexa) with Xanax to get me over the hump. I also decided to try low dose birth control pills. They are a steady dose of hormones that override your body's own hormones. With that combination I felt much better in a couple of months. Many docs are happy to give bcps to peri women as they can help with mood swings, heavy bleeding etc. so its something to try even while hunting for the elusive peri-smart doctor.
There are good threads--pro and con--on these boards about bcps for peri if you are interested.
While I was down, I depaired that it would be impossible to find a good treatment--it is hard to think clearly when you feel so bad. Someone told me "Fake It 'til You Make It," try to carry on as much of your old life as you can even if it feels like going through the motions at times. I did find that helpful
Hope you find answers soon!
I am 45 with two kids a bit older than yours and this spring had a bad bout of depression and panic anxiety with no situational cause. I was sure it was hormone related as it coincided with some other symptoms of changing hormones. My last anxiety/depression had occurred when I was 37 and breastfeeding for a year, so I think mine like yours is hugely hormone sensitive.
I skipped the hormone testing as I was still having fairly regular periods and during early peri your hormones can change month to month anyway. While I was interested in natural hormones, it seemed confusing to have to keep adjusting them as my hormones roller coastered. I went on the same AD that worked before for me (Celexa) with Xanax to get me over the hump. I also decided to try low dose birth control pills. They are a steady dose of hormones that override your body's own hormones. With that combination I felt much better in a couple of months. Many docs are happy to give bcps to peri women as they can help with mood swings, heavy bleeding etc. so its something to try even while hunting for the elusive peri-smart doctor.
There are good threads--pro and con--on these boards about bcps for peri if you are interested.
While I was down, I depaired that it would be impossible to find a good treatment--it is hard to think clearly when you feel so bad. Someone told me "Fake It 'til You Make It," try to carry on as much of your old life as you can even if it feels like going through the motions at times. I did find that helpful
Hope you find answers soon!
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