[Caramel]

I have been trying to find effective therapy for treatment resistant depression since September of 2008. I have also been trying to get my hormones balanced using bio-identical hormones during this same time period.

The first hormone test I had was a saliva test and my estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEAS, and cortisol were all low. I have not absorbed the hormones very well and they have stayed in the low range. My prescription has been changed several times.

Does anyone have experience with low hormones causing depression? Did the depression improve after getting your hormones balanced?

Thanks for your help!
Caramel

[Perna]

There are many body system possibilities as to what can cause some depressions. I know my thyroid replacement and Vitamin D being in the "normal" range have helped me.

If the bioidentical hormones and saliva test weren't getting hormones up to a level one would like, I would try other methods of checking and adjusting levels: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bio...rmones/AN01133

I would definitely do blood tests for more than just a few hormones (saliva doesn't do all of them equally well) and I'd check with a nutritionist on what I'm eating and work on vitamins/minerals and other body systems that can impact depression. http://www.livestrong.com/article/12...on-depression/

[Fresia]

I have to take hormones too for 2 conditions. They wreak havoc on my emotional state. They also wreak havoc on my psych meds. One gets leveled out, have to adjust the other, and then the original has to be readjusted. It can be a vicious cycle at times. It took awhile to find the right combination and balance and I still need adjustments, though they are minor ones now, just dosages. It took time and being in continual contact with physicians helped. It is not something that I could have done on my own.

It isn't easy and you have my best wishes. Sending you patience as you find your right combo and balance, with much luck too in the process.

[Caramel]

Originally Posted by Perna

There are many body system possibilities as to what can cause some depressions. I know my thyroid replacement and Vitamin D being in the "normal" range have helped me.

If the bioidentical hormones and saliva test weren't getting hormones up to a level one would like, I would try other methods of checking and adjusting levels: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bio...rmones/AN01133

I would definitely do blood tests for more than just a few hormones (saliva doesn't do all of them equally well) and I'd check with a nutritionist on what I'm eating and work on vitamins/minerals and other body systems that can impact depression. http://www.livestrong.com/article/12...on-depression/

Hi Perna,

I enjoyed reading the information on the two sites from your post. I am going to do more research into hormone testing and use.

I also believe nutrition is important in treating depression. I learned a lot from reading, The UltraMind Solution, by Mark Hyman, M.D. For some of his patients depression has healed by treating other body systems. He also believes some people do not create enough neurotransmitters and need additional help.

I had the ELISA blood test done for food sensitivities. My highest scores were for eggs, brewer's yeast, and baker's yeast. I cut out eggs and yeast from my diet and my cholesterol went down from 218 to 163. Very exciting!

Thanks,
Caramel

[Caramel]

Originally Posted by Fresia

I have to take hormones too for 2 conditions. They wreak havoc on my emotional state. They also wreak havoc on my psych meds. One gets leveled out, have to adjust the other, and then the original has to be readjusted. It can be a vicious cycle at times. It took awhile to find the right combination and balance and I still need adjustments, though they are minor ones now, just dosages. It took time and being in continual contact with physicians helped. It is not something that I could have done on my own.

It isn't easy and you have my best wishes. Sending you patience as you find your right combo and balance, with much luck too in the process.

Hi Fresia,

Do you take bio-identical hormones? Do you use a cream, troche, or another type of system? When you have your hormones and meds balanced do you feel a lot better?

Thanks,
Caramel