Stopped taking mood supplement, SAM-e...is that WHY I'm struggling?🤔🧐🤨

[LifeIsThePitts]

I've been taking 400 mg of SAM-e once a day for several years as a natural mood stabilizer. Like St John's Wort, it is a natural antidepressant option, too. Included a description of what sam-e is below 👇...

I stopped taking it at the beginning of May when I started microdosing Psilocybin mushrooms,🍄 which I've had awesome results with so far.

But I've been struggling in the last 2 weeks with symptoms of lack of motivation and irritability. My perimenopause PMS continues to be an em effer, as last week was the prequel to my monthly cycle. That week definitely throws a wrench in my hormone driven emotional responses.

Trying to discern from what angle my depression and anxiety symptoms are coming from these days is a constantly revolving door of frustration.😵‍💫😫On some days I don't know if I'm coming or going I get so irritable and cranky and anxiety riddled.

On a brighter note I've gotten out with the dogs and hubby 3 days in a row for loooong walkies. The 🌞☀️ and being outside feels good. Need that vit D.

...👉"S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a naturally-occurring compound found in almost every tissue and fluid in the body. It is involved in many important processes. SAMe plays a role in the immune system, maintains cell membranes, and helps produce and break down brain chemicals, such as serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine. It works with vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9). Being deficient in either vitamin B12 or folate may reduce levels of SAMe in your body.

Several studies show that SAMe helps relieve the pain of osteoarthritis. Other studies suggest that SAMe may help treat depression. Researchers have also examined SAMe's use in the treatment of fibromyalgia and liver disease with mixed results. Many of the early studies used SAMe given intravenously or as an injection. Only recently have researchers been able to look at the effects of SAMe taken by mouth.

Depression

Some research suggests that SAMe is more effective than placebo in treating mild-to-moderate depression and is just as effective as antidepressant medications without the side effects (headaches, sleeplessness, and sexual dysfunction). In addition, antidepressants tend to take 6 to 8 weeks to begin working, while SAMe seems to begin more quickly. Researchers are not sure how SAMe works to relieve depression. But they speculate it might increase the amount of serotonin in the brain just as some antidepressants do.

Many studies have examined injectable forms of SAMe, not oral supplements. More research is needed to determine whether SAMe works for depression. Because serious depression is a dangerous illness, you should seek help from your doctor before taking SAMe or any supplement."

[LifeIsThePitts]

Oh twinkly, thank you so much for your support and wisdom. I'm struggling really bad with this hormone fluctuation and I wish the periods would just stop!!🛑I know it will be better eventually but it's a rollercoaster 🎢 hormone nightmare every 22 days. I'm so miserable with night 💦 sweat, irritable and cranky and want to stay in bed. I'm going to ask about HRT when I get to see my Dr in July.

[Kamgal5]

umm… maybe it’s the mushrooms? If you were fine before them. I know I can’t handle THC… makes me anxious and paranoid

[LifeIsThePitts in reply to Kamgal5]

Between my perimenopause symptoms and PMS and stopping the Sam-E, I believe that's been my setback. After getting my period last weekend, I'm in a MUCH BETTER PLACE! Been able to exercise 5 days this week and feel like a functional person again 😄

[Kinlay]

Since the half-life of sam-e is 100 hours, the med should have been out of your system around 8-9 days after you stopped taking it, so I'd think it depends on when exactly you stopped. If you started to have symptoms around that time, then yes it is likely withdrawal. If it was a week or so later, then it's more likely something else. Frankly, perimenopause wrecked me. You might want to reach out to a gyn for help in addressing that as it can definitely cause lack of motivation and irritability, as well as anxiety and depression. Good luck!

[LifeIsThePitts in reply to Kinlay]

I'm guessing this is the reason for my slump, in addition to the extreme perimenopause symptoms I'm dealing with. After getting my period last weekend, my symptoms have lifted significantly. I've been able to exercise and walk my dogs 5 days in a row with little coersion and debating with myself. Definitely not fatigued and exhausted like the middle 2 weeks of May!! That's a GREAT thing 🙏😁