Any here live with depression, and then have the big ole blessing of perimenopause on top? How did it impact your depression?

I have read that perimenopause can kick off a new depression in previously non-depressed women. So, what's it do to depressed chicks? I am feeling very lousy right now.

campy

[Raynaadi]

I don't have menopause yet. I was on the Depoprovera shot at one point for birth control and they said that was kinda like putting me into perimenopause. I definitely noticed that it affected depression. I started taking Estroven. Its a supplement that's over the counter for menopause and perimenopause symptoms.

Welcome to PC!!

[seeker1950]

Hi, Campanula, and welcome to PC!
I had major increasing depression with the onset of perimenopause, not realizing what it was. I was in my late '30's and hit menopause totally at age 41, whereupon, I was in a state of dysfunction due to depression. I believe all of this was due to the hormonal change. This affects some people more drastically than others. My gynecologist put me on Estrogen replacement therapy, which was like a miracle pill, which I took for about 12 years, and my regular physician put me on an antidepressant at that time. I have since stopped taking the ERT, and am gradually weaning off the Paxil, but when I was in such bad shape, both meds were a Godsend!
I suggest you talk to your doctors about what you're experiencing.
Patty

[mick07]

I hear what you are saying--- I'm in the same spot. I really think I'm crazier than ever before. It's such a rollercoaster of moods. My depression gets so bad it's scary-- but it does seem to fade in and out abit. How's your memory? mine is definately gone. I really try to stay rational and think through some of this-- telling myself "it's hormones it will eventually end" It helps me a little to keep saying it--- If I remember it!

[ocdchick]

FOR SURE!

I've been perimenopausal for what seems like forever and have had 2+ periods this month-that and dry eyes are signs you're going into menopause.

rejoice in your upcoming freedom!

OCD chick

[Perna]

Perimenopause took about 10 years for me, my 40's. I would get depressed/suicidal during my periods in my 20's and some of that started again (more "emotions") during my 40's but at only about 1/2 strength, very subtle. Remember there are all sorts of hormone changes happening and that can cause depression; I'm on thyroid meds now (not for depression but low thyroid can certainly cause depression).

[sunrise]

I have a hard time taking birth control hormones because they make me really depressed, and sometimes manic. Very volatile and emotional. They are powerful stuff. I prefer my body's natural hormones to taking artificial replacements, but I am now at the stage I need artificials to suppress my ovulation due to ovarian cysts. It's a can't win situation. Beware of hormones! I am in perimenopause but can't say I feel any more depressed than before that, except for the articials I just started taking recently.