Dear shellyfoster,
If estrogen deficiency is the cause of one's depression, then yes, estrogen replacement is usually helpful. In your case, and anyone else's for that matter, a comprehensive evaluation needs to be performed to determine the cause of the depression. This is of utmost importance, before anybody's ovaries get removed. For example, low thyroid function, antidepressants, emotional issues, birth control pills, and lack of sun exposure can all cause depression. Hormone levels need to be checked at specific times during the month, as both estrogen and progesterone constantly fluctuate during a normal cycle. Estrogen levels are very low during one's period, but there is hardly any progesterone around, so the relatively higher estrogen may be helping you during that time. However, if this were the case then you should feel less depressed the entire first half of your cycle. How old are you? How was your mood when you were pregnant (when you had super high levels of both estrogen and progesterone)? What happened 14 months ago that started your depression? Many questions need to be answered and you need to find a physician who is willing to do the necessary detective work. Most importantly, make sure the treatment addresses the real primary cause of your depression.
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Dear shellyfoster,
February 16, 2011 - 12:23amIf estrogen deficiency is the cause of one's depression, then yes, estrogen replacement is usually helpful. In your case, and anyone else's for that matter, a comprehensive evaluation needs to be performed to determine the cause of the depression. This is of utmost importance, before anybody's ovaries get removed. For example, low thyroid function, antidepressants, emotional issues, birth control pills, and lack of sun exposure can all cause depression. Hormone levels need to be checked at specific times during the month, as both estrogen and progesterone constantly fluctuate during a normal cycle. Estrogen levels are very low during one's period, but there is hardly any progesterone around, so the relatively higher estrogen may be helping you during that time. However, if this were the case then you should feel less depressed the entire first half of your cycle. How old are you? How was your mood when you were pregnant (when you had super high levels of both estrogen and progesterone)? What happened 14 months ago that started your depression? Many questions need to be answered and you need to find a physician who is willing to do the necessary detective work. Most importantly, make sure the treatment addresses the real primary cause of your depression.
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