I have been suffering with endometriosis for the past 6 years. I have just finished a course of 6 x 1 month decapeptyl injections. After the most recent injection, my moods seem to have significantly deteriorated. I have been lucky to never suffer with mental health issues but suddenly I feel constantly anxious, I can't focus, I have constant outbursts of crying for no reason, I feel insecure and like I don't know myself, I have no appetite and feel completely out of control of my emotions. I have been to see my GP to discuss this because I literally feel like my body has been poisoned and I just want someone to take this horrible mess out of me. He suggested I potentially take HRT after he has a discussion with my gynaecologist but there seems to be mixed reviews on the effectiveness on this. I wondered if anyone has tried any natural methods to enhance their mood. Also how long will it take for these symptoms to go?! I feel like I am going mad!
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KBUOS
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I’m so sorry you are struggling at the moment, but please be reassured that you are not going mad.
Decapeptyl is a "GnRH Analogue/Agonist". This class of drugs works on your “Pituitary/Hypothalamus/Gonadal Axis” to stop your body producing the leutinizing hormone which usually triggers your body's production of oestrogen / progesterone and thereby your monthly cycle. However, your body uses oestrogen and progesterone for many body processes, and among those processes is the regulation of mood. Both hormones, but particularly oestrogen, play a vital role in your brain’s serotonin & dopamine (your happy hormones), and melatonin (sleep hormone) level regulation and uptake. Consequently Decapeptyl’s suppression of your oestrogen and progesterone levels can cause very significant mood changes (including sometimes severe depression and anxiety) and this can take a while to wear off after treatments ceases until your hormone levels rise again.
This is why your GP and specialist are suggesting a dose of “add-back” HRT; many specialists prescribe HRT alongside Decapeptyl treatment as standard to preemptively try to minimise the treatment’s known potential impact on mood and bone density. There are different brands and types and doses of HRT and some women find some suit them better than others. I personally found bio identical HRT suited me best and had the fewest perceivable side effects - this type of HRT is more expensive and so can be harder to secure a prescription for but it may be worth asking about. Endometriosis thrives on oestrogen so finding the right dose of HRT can be a delicate balancing act, but your GP / Specialist may be able to do blood tests to monitor your oestrogen levels. Natural options tend to be adding foods with high levels of phytoestrogens to your diet (like soya), but obviously it is a bit harder to monitor your intake than with a dose of HRT.
Have you read the manufacturer’s Summary of Product Characteristics? It is a more detailed summary of the drug’s actions and side effects than the basic patient leaflet and discusses potential mood changes. Hopefully you will start to feel yourself again soon, but in the meantime it can be really helpful to know that the mood changes you are experiencing are just a drug side effect. You can find it online here:
Hi there! I’ve just had my second month of Decapeptyl injections. I am on Tibolone HRT add back at the same time and I feel it has certainly been helping. I suffer from anxiety and depression anyway and had horrible suicidal thoughts etc before beginning it. Now, I can tell my depression has lightened and is not feeling so severe. I would say the next time you have Decapeptyl, request the HRT add-back because it helps your body to “level out” as my consultant said (BSGE accredited)
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Decapeptyl treatment
Feeling very emotional 
Giant rant - emotional word vomit. 
Emotional
