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I have been treated for depression for the last 14 months. I am still suffering from severe depression. I am now on 150 Desipramine. Hormone levels are normal. I tried Progesterone, when weaning off of it I had good periods of no depression. After that I have not had any good days other than the days of my periods. So my mood only improves when I am menestruating. Shouldn't I be tried on Estrogen? Dr wants to try Lupron Depot for 3 months - If it treats the depression he will then remove my ovaries. I need help and no one believes my mood improves during my period. It is obvious to me that my hormones are involved with my depression.
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Hi,
March 10, 2011 - 4:38pmYAZ and other birth control pills cause hormone levels to decrease significantly. Usually, hormone levels vary daily in a reproductive woman. So, to say whether or not your hormone levels are normal depends on which day of the month your hormone levels were checked. For info on a new patient consultation that you asked for, please go to www.shiramillermd.com.
Best,
Dr. Miller
This Comment
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.
This Comment
My depression started again because I went off of my meds. Latest news is that my Disippramine was increased to 150 and I've been taking YAZ since Jan 18. First cycle I was still having major depression. Second cycle I was up from about the middle of my cycle and now have come crashing down the few days before my period, my period should start today or tomorrow. The only other dip came about 14 days into cyle and just one day. My vaginal discharge has been low to none. I am supposed to be seeing Dr Carter at the Womens hospital for severe depression and peri-menopause. Would of been nice if the referral letter was sent to the right place. I spent awhile today getting the referral faxed to the correct office, so will find out tomorrow or Thursday when I finally get to go down. Meanwhile I see my family Dr on the 15th to check my heart rate, when in last week was beating over 120 and was sent to hospital for ECG, still checking at home and it is always over 100. Then see my phyciatrist on the 16th who wants me to discontinue the disipramine and go on to an MAO anti depressant. I'm scared to change antidepressant and don't want MAO's. I believe that part of my depression is caused by my hormones and think that the YAZ will continue to better things over the next couple of months, I'm worried that the disipramine is causing the rapid heartbeat but don't know what else to take other than using and MAO. I would like to see if taking an estrogen supplement might help. Am anxious to see Dr Carter, but looks like I'll have to spend a few more weeks sobbing uncontrolably
March 10, 2011 - 1:28pmThis Comment
Will be waiting another 5 weeks on top of the other 2 I've already done.
March 10, 2011 - 1:33pmThis Comment
What would be involved in a comprehensive evaluation? At what times should hormone levels be checked? I am 45 and have had my thyroid tested, on desipramine and am taking YAZ.
March 10, 2011 - 1:26pmThis Comment
What would be involved in a comprehensive evaluation? At what times should hormone levels be checked? I am 45 and have had my thyroid tested, on desipramine and am taking YAZ
March 8, 2011 - 5:08pmThis Comment
Hi shelly,
I am not sure what specifics shiramillermd was referring to, regarding specific times to have your hormones checked, as well as what is involved in a comprehensive evaluation.
It is best to ask your doctors these specific questions, and please feel free to send shiramillermd a PM (personal message, just click on her user name) to ask these questions (and it is helpful to copy and paste this discussion thread's link in your PM).
Please let us know what your doctors say, in regards to your specific questions. They are great questions!
March 10, 2011 - 12:31pmThis Comment
My depression started again because I went off of my meds. Latest news is that my Disippramine was increased to 150 and I've been taking YAZ since Jan 18. First cycle I was still having major depression. Second cycle I was up from about the middle of my cycle and now have come crashing down the few days before my period, my period should start today or tomorrow. The only other dip came about 14 days into cyle and just one day. My vaginal discharge has been low to none. I am supposed to be seeing Dr Carter at the Womens hospital for severe depression and peri-menopause. Would of been nice if the referral letter was sent to the right place. I spent awhile today getting the referral faxed to the correct office, so will find out tomorrow or Thursday when I finally get to go down. Meanwhile I see my family Dr on the 15th to check my heart rate, when in last week was beating over 120 and was sent to hospital for ECG, still checking at home and it is always over 100. Then see my phyciatrist on the 16th who wants me to discontinue the disipramine and go on to an MAO anti depressant. I'm scared to change antidepressant and don't want MAO's. I believe that part of my depression is caused by my hormones and think that the YAZ will continue to better things over the next couple of months, I'm worried that the disipramine is causing the rapid heartbeat but don't know what else to take other than using and MAO. I would like to see if taking an estrogen supplement might help. Am anxious to see Dr Carter, but looks like I'll have to spend a few more weeks sobbing uncontrolably.
March 8, 2011 - 5:03pmThis Comment
I can't recall being low when I was pregnant or after I had my children (2). I'm 45 and the depression came from me discontinuing my antidepressants. In this prior case I spent 2 months in the hospital and the next month hiding in the house crying. The second time I spent just under 2 months in hospital and have been trying different anti-depressants. Seeing over the last 3 months is seems evident to me and my doctor that we need to look at my hormones. On my good days, I'm my old self, for the rest of the days I mostly sit crying and trying to carry on a normal life, which is hard. Right now I am depressed throughout the month except when I have my period. In December I discontinued Prometrium, went from 300 to 200 had a good week and half discontinued another 100, had a good week, went off completely and now 2 months with severe depression and only good days are during my period.
February 16, 2011 - 10:02amThis Comment
I saw my family doctor this morning. I will be going to the Womens Hospital and see a doctor who specializes in depression and hormones. Thanks for all your help, will keep you updated. For now I am continuing with the Yasmin.
February 15, 2011 - 1:35pmThis Comment