Depression?

[paleolady]

Hello.

Two years into PMR journey. I am at 3mg pred and physically feel well. I am having bouts of severe depression and have never been depressed before. I am 59 years old and started menopause at 57 years old. Could it be a flare , adrenals or "the menopause"?

Any info from the ladies would help... I have been at 3 mg for over a month.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

My first thought is poor adrenal function but I'm sure doctors might feel "your age" has something to do with it too. Do talk to your GP about it - don't suffer unnecessarily

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I would plump for adrenals stuttering - it’s one of the symptoms.

You don’t say you have any return of PMR symptoms, so hopefully your dose isn’t too low, but to be at 3mg within 2 years is quite quick so just watch out for that. If it were menopausal would have expected it to appear sometime in the last 2 years.

There are related posts on the subject of depression, might be worth looking at those for any tips, but you maybe should discuss with your doctor.

If it is adrenal related, then a slow taper with small steps is the best way to proceed, and plenty of patience…..and maybe a test to check they are actually capable of working…. This might give you a bit more info-

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[paleolady in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for your time.

[Evercurious]

Any time you need to chat I’m here in Canada waiting to listen😊

[paleolady in reply to Evercurious]

Thank you

[Hidden]

Hello,

I had depression when I reduced my prednisolone, from a slightly higher dose than yours. I upped the dose by 1mg and felt instantly better. Inform your doctor if you decide to do this, but do try it out. Like you, I’m not subject to depression and was happy to find that I could get rid of it easily. It hasn’t returned.

[paleolady in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply. My doctor does not want me to increase my dose at this time

[Hidden in reply to paleolady]

Hello,

Your doctor obviously has her/his reasons. I hope you soon get better. 😀

[paleolady in reply to Hidden]

Thanks!