Hi shellyfoster,
It sounds like your doctor does believe you, in regards to hormones playing a factor in your depression. Did your doctor explain how Lupron Depot works in your body? It actually is a hormonal agent that reduces your estrogen levels (your estrogen levels are lowest during menstruation).
"Lupron Depot (leuprolide acetate for depot suspension), a GnRH agonist, is a hormonal agent that significantly reduces estrogen levels. The medication works in two distinct phases. Phase one stimulates the ovaries causing them to produce more estradiol, the most potent of the three estrogens produced by women. In phase two, the messenger hormones that tell the ovaries to produce estrogen decline dramatically. The resulting drop in estrogen causes women to experience menopause-like side effects. "
GnRH is significant, as this is a hormone that works with all of the other hormones in your body to regulate your menstrual cycle --- there are many other hormones other than estrogen to consider, including: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone.
"During your menstrual cycle, GnRH is released first by the hypothalamus. This causes a chemical reaction in the pituitary gland and stimulates the production of FSH and LH. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone (yes, the "male" hormone) are produced by the ovaries in reaction to stimulation by FSH and LH. When these hormones work harmoniously, normal menstrual cycles occur."
It sounds like you may be on the right track with trying this new estrogen-decreasing treatment for 3 months. It is important to know about the medications you may be taking: how they work in your body, potential side effects, etc. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask your doctor and/or pharmacist. Please keep us updated!
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Hi shellyfoster,
It sounds like your doctor does believe you, in regards to hormones playing a factor in your depression. Did your doctor explain how Lupron Depot works in your body? It actually is a hormonal agent that reduces your estrogen levels (your estrogen levels are lowest during menstruation).
"Lupron Depot (leuprolide acetate for depot suspension), a GnRH agonist, is a hormonal agent that significantly reduces estrogen levels. The medication works in two distinct phases. Phase one stimulates the ovaries causing them to produce more estradiol, the most potent of the three estrogens produced by women. In phase two, the messenger hormones that tell the ovaries to produce estrogen decline dramatically. The resulting drop in estrogen causes women to experience menopause-like side effects. "
GnRH is significant, as this is a hormone that works with all of the other hormones in your body to regulate your menstrual cycle --- there are many other hormones other than estrogen to consider, including: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone.
"During your menstrual cycle, GnRH is released first by the hypothalamus. This causes a chemical reaction in the pituitary gland and stimulates the production of FSH and LH. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone (yes, the "male" hormone) are produced by the ovaries in reaction to stimulation by FSH and LH. When these hormones work harmoniously, normal menstrual cycles occur."
Sources:
- Women's Health: Lupron Depot
- Women's Health: Understanding Menstruation
It sounds like you may be on the right track with trying this new estrogen-decreasing treatment for 3 months. It is important to know about the medications you may be taking: how they work in your body, potential side effects, etc. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask your doctor and/or pharmacist. Please keep us updated!
February 13, 2011 - 8:58amThis Comment
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