I am soon to be 43 and have suffered from what I think may be peri symptoms for the last 3-4 years. It started with extreme anxiety over nothing. My periods seems to be closer in length, but otherwise no big difference with my periods. My thyroid has been removed due to thyroid cancer in 2002, so my levels are monitored closely. Anyway, I suffer from bad depression/anxiety for usually 2 months and then am fine, then sink back into it again for 2-3 months. I can specifically remember one time when I was in Wal mart and I felt my depression lift and I went to the bathroom and sure enough, I have ovulated. I have suffered a clinical depression back in 1992 which lasted much longer until Prozac lifted me out of it. This time, however, I have tried bios, ADs BCPs, lamical (mood stabilizer), all to no avail. How do I know if it is peri or something else (bipolar does run in my family, but have never had any manias or hypomanias. Thanks.

Hi Karlie,

Sorry you haven't gotten any responses to this post.

First of all, (((HUGS))), and I'm so sorry you're contending with depression - it's the most awful feeling in the world.

I think the reason you probably didn't get any responses, is because it's so very hard to tell during peri, just WHAT is going on... Our moods go up and down... I had quite a severe episode of depression during my last year of having periods - the only one I've ever had, but have retained a tendency to struggle at times, and it's necessary that I remain on AD's.

I believe it's not uncommon for women to experience depression during peri-menopause - it goes hand-in-hand with anxiety. For so many of us, it comes "out of the blue" during this phase of our lives.

Bipolar can be challenging to diagnose - have you seen a doctor? And thyroid issues affect the brain, as you know...

My heart goes out to you. We all feel that sense of, if only I could find an answer...

JJ