Menopause and depression

[Jello1]

I struggle with depression and take Effexor. I had a hysterectomy in March and was given no hormones after and I struggled bad. My family Doc put me on a low dose birth control and it’s been 2 months and I’m still struggling with depression and fatigue and crying. Don’t know what to do. My self esteem can’t get any lower.

[Kat63]

Have you been able to talk to a therapist?

Hysterectomy is a major surgery, and it can really turn your life upside down. It might help to talk to someone.

[Jello1 in reply to Kat63]

I know I need too

[Dolphin14]

You May need some additional support other than low dose birth control to get through this. Call the md back and discuss. Women can suffer bad depression after hysterectomy or menopause. I often wonder if surgical cause of menopause is worse. It's not a gradual decline in hormones. Your body must be in such turmoil. Just my thoughts.

[Jello1 in reply to Dolphin14]

That’s exactly what it feels like turmoil. I feel so alone bc everybody I know who has had one seems fine and I’m a mess

[Dolphin14 in reply to Jello1]

We all handle the hormone shifts differently. Our bodies are so different. Give your md a call and let him/her know you are struggling there has to be more they can do to help you through this.

[Jello1]

Thank you

[Want2BHappy3]

Doctors hesitate giving hormones because of the side effects. Some of them are banned. Go see a psychiatrist to get medication to help you with your depression and probably the rest will fall in place?

[Toosad65]

I was not able to take anything due to my depression. My Dr. advised me it could effect my depression in a very negitive way. Not sure how menopause differs from it happening naturally or due to a hysterectomy. What I did try is Estroven. It is a over the counter homeopathic estrogen replacement tablet. It work great. I also starting using Marijuana for the hot flashes and night sweats. That also worked great. I never used it before but did allot of research on it. It worked for me. It may work for you. Stay strong and find a good Dr. that will sit with you and help you find a solution, not a bandaid. Perhaps a female Dr. I found male Drs. did not seem able to speak about menopause or wish to. Good luck

[Hidden]

Yes it’s tough to go through all st once. I don’t k ow he won’t give you hormones isn’t birth control also hormones ? I also went through it suddenly I knew I was and got on hrt because so sudden. A lot of women go on antidepressants for menopause I was lucky to work with women a bit older than me most were on antidepressants. I don’t know the risks between birth control & hrt. I won’t stay in it forever but for now I’m in. Natural inserted in vaj is more expensive if you can afford it. There’s other creams too. Antidepressants also take time. You have to slow your life down awhile out yourself first and got to gym if you can. Don’t be shy to go to therapy. Hormone changes aren’t a small deal especially all at once. It takes time it does get better it’s harder for some than others and that’s a fact. Ask questions with doc and get second opinion to put mind at ease.

I learned that natural paths actually know more about this stuff than family doctor & gynaecologist if you find a good one my own gynaecologist said as much ... what an eye opener that was a pelvic specialist. If you get a full blood panel hormones and other blood tests before you see one you can show Naturalpathic the results and they can work with that from that point save a visit cost. They can also prescribe regular hrt if you choose that. I chose to do hrt because I was young and money was factor. It’s a road to consider to help settle your mind about what to try & consider.

[Puzzled57]

Menopause sucks! I’m not sure if I am coming out of it or the planets have aligned for a brief reprieve but I feel your angst. Estrogen levels low, progesterone levels lower, hrt or progesterone cream, hypothyroidism, depression, anxiety, physical issues, mental strain and doctors who have no clue how to balance all of this! You are not alone and you will get through this!! You have to drive through the storm and we will be there to offer guidance and support when it gets rough! Stay strong!!

[Jello1]

Do you know names of those support groups?

[Sunsetblaze]

I am so sorry you are going through this! I would talk to your psychiatrist about your medication. It sounds as if it isn't working for your depression. I took Effexor and it didn't work for me. It was tried after I was felt to have "treatment resistant depression".

I eventually got on Seroquel and feel really well despite the extra weight. I am back to my old self. You can get there, don't give up hope. There is help but it can take time. I got depressed deeply near the time I went through menopause but there was a lot else going on. It is a big transition, not unlike puberty where our bodies and minds change so much. Best of luck to you!

[Jello1]

Thank y’all! Just knowing I’m not alone or the only one gives me hope. I saw my doctor today and he is trying remeron. I hope it helps ! Has anyone had luck with Remeron?

[Cured2020 in reply to Jello1]

No...it made me feel like a zombie.

[Want2BHappy3]

Yes, but there's been warnings that you can't always trust everything on the internet?