The past several months I have noticed that during my period (anywhere from day 3 to 5) I will have a severe episode of depression that descends upon me.  It will be sheer hell for a day or two, then get better.  This is new for me, used to be ok once I started bleeding - But as I fast approach 40, nothing is as it used to be.  Any ideas on this one?  I recently started using an over the counter natural progesterone cream and am supposed to start a low dose BC pill tomorrow (which scares me, but I have to do something).  HELP! Linda F

OH, what I'd give to be fast appraoching 40 :biggrin:Well, I'm fast approaching 60-yikes! But I still recall the depression I had when I still had my periods. I would just roll with  it ,call my mom and cry, yell at hubby and cry, talk to my kids and cry. Hmm guess what I mostly did was cry. But like you it would go away after 2 or 3 days. It probably is worth a try to take the BC pills, but try to remember it's just hormones and that will make you feel better too. I always had to remind myself of that often. But eventually you will believe it.Let us know how you are doing , hugs, jeanne

Linda,

I have always had a down day or so before my period, would lighten up the days of my period (3 days)( in which I got to be weak and shaky) and come back from days 4-7.    

Even with the cream and estriol it does not  disappear totally, since the hormones fluctuate still but I believe not as bad it could be.  

I never knew anyone who had their worse depression on day 4....and never figured it out or what to do for it.  I even tried more estrogen then years ago and it did not help.   It was like some synchrony of hormones was not right but what I couldn't figure out.

Just try different things and I think it will get better at least and not so severe.

Dear Linda F,

  I found that I am most vulnerable to depression near my period too....either just before or during. I think you feel worst when your Estrogen is at its lowest point. I got a very low dose .025 Estrogen patch which I slap on during that week and it really seems to help. I am not saying the depression isn't there at all but it is not as severe.  Over time our bodies will get accustomed to the lower estrogen and then these dreadful depression should disappear but in the meantime maybe this would help.

Hi Sheila - that makes sense.  My period this month arrived on day 23 - two days of heavy bleeding, then normal.  But I feel so wiped out - I'm not having depression yet, but exhausted, light headed and sweating like crazy! I don't want to wish away my life, but I can't wait till this is over and done with!! Linda F

Dear Linda,   I know what you mean about wishing your life away. I see these women who are 70 and secretly envy them because they are through this.  I just have to weather these horrible days and enjoy the good ones. There are times though when this is a real challenge. I try to tell myself that these emotions can't kill me and I will surivive them. It certainly makes me take full advantage of the beautiful happy days. It's tough but it helps to know that you are not the only one.   My esterogen patch is called Climara and is only .025 which is a really low dose. You might want to give it a try. Sheila

I am absolutely bowled over at all I'm reading on this menopause forum.  You are all talking about me.  I noticed last month I got severely depressed around the 35 day of my last missed period and around 49 days when it finally arrived I thought Hey! I should feel better but I didn't I felt samey.  I did not understand why my period had not improved things for me.  I ONLY improved when I actually ovulated and I feel okay for the time being since it has been around 7 days since I last ovulated.  Can anyone explain this.  

Linda F,

I am finding that maybe, just maybe the cyclic depression I experience is related to serotonin because of low dietary serotonin.   Serotonin drops when estrogen does as well...so it is making a bad situation worse.

I have been using the Potatoes Not Prozac (just read this book) way of eating this past week and it definitely helped the cyclic depression and fatigue I usually get....

So this may be a blood sugar thing especially if you get carb cravings...carb cravings mean a dietary approach to raise serotonin levels might help.

I have tried to figure this out for years and this is the only thing that has helped this 4-6 days of my cycle and the down just before my cycle as well.   Not 100% but enough of a change to feel a little encouraged that I might have found some reason because using hormones did not work for this particular problem.

I can get depressed just trying to figure out what makes me so depressed....................;)So,  whether, it's diet....menstrual cycles....the weather...fibro, (a biggy with me).....I've decided to just ride it out!!I couldn't be more envious to anyone who can find the answers tho'.....more power to ya!!!

((((Hugs))))~*Snowy*~

Hi Snowbird,

I have to use my analytical mind for something....ha!Why not figuring out why women feel like !!!@#$?

I had a wonderful weekend seeing classmates of my 35th reunion and seeing my great brothers and families...It is a high to realize how much you love the people in your life...this is an antidote to depression..too.  :)

Georgia Dove ~~~~  

Hey, thar ~Georgia Dove~

I already know why I feel like,@#$%&....It's called Menopause!! ONLY KIDDING;) I guess, when a Bird gets to be near post...ya just ride, (or fly) it out!!  I'm a few years ahead of you...and aging!! Yikes!! I'm another year older next Monday!!  Just trying to catch up to the "Great-One":biggrin:jeanne:cool:

((((((Hugs))))))   ~*Snowy*~

P.S. Keep those grey cells working;):biggrin:

Ok I'm on hold till you catch up Silly Goose. I will send you that special mix of birdseed and bread you like so much for the big day :biggrin.Yes , Nancy, I also believe we feel like *%$@$ because of menopause.  I can't remember if it could be anything else , heehee. I'm working on a cure though. I'll let you know if I'm successful.hugs, jeanne

Hi,

I talk to other women (just this weekend)  who have a hyster...then Premarin and feel fine....geesh....so easy for them it seems....

Good idea to ride it out....will drive my convertible more....maybe...finally learning to get to first gear without racing the engine too much.  

It does help to get outside don't you think?  Birds don't do well in captivity...

Jeanne,

I have a feeling the  lab where you are working on your cure  is a chocolate factory. .. but maybe not.....bird seed is definitely not it....remember snake oil...would try that too...

In the meantime, you can talk to the other "Great One" --for some great information...you know that  bird we see flying around here....whoa I 'm ducking....that Snowbird gets around!                                                                           ~~~~~~~Georgia Dove ~~~~                                            ~~~~~

Hey!!You'd be amazed what ya can do with birdseed!!Haven't you heard of chocolate covered birdseed.....yum...yum!!:biggrin:There's always a way........hehe!!(((((Huggers)))))  ~*Snowy*~