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I've been told by my doctor that I am Peri-menopausal. I had an ablation about 5 years ago due to having very heavy and very frequent periods. I have to use the Estring and a cream periodically due to thinning, and painful intercourse. I have a lot of issues going on in my life right now. My mother has Parkingsons/Dementia and is in a skilled nursing facility. I have three other siblings that have not lifted a finger to help me with anything, and they barely go and see her. I am very sad and I feel very depressed all the time - I don't rest well and I cry on a daily basis. I should be happy right now - my first grandchild was born only six weeks ago. I used to go to the gym everyday and now I don't have the energy or the desire to go. I've put on weight despite the fact that I try really hard to eat heathly. My arms, shoulders, and elbows hurt nonstop. Sometimes I feel like I don't want to be here anymore! I went to my MD about these feelings and they said that I was not suffering from depression, but that I was in a depressing situation. They advised that I come up with a plan to make myself happy. I have been put on anti-depressants before but they don't seem to work. Do you think that I need to make an appointment with my OBYGN and talk to him to see if I should be put on HRT? What can I do? Is there a blood test that can tell if you need to be on HRT? I've heard such bad things about hormone replacement drugs that I'm a little worried. I would greatly appreciated any advice you can give me.
This is really common, so please don't panic: The reason behind it is low oestrogen levels.
Oestrogen acts as a mild anti-depressant and generally makes us cheerier. With less of it around we can feel very emotionally vulnerable, weepy, and even depressed, even though our brain tells us that there is no real reason for our feelings.
There are several things you can do to make yourself less vulnerable.
Firstly, you could consider taking a phyto-oestrogen, which is gentle oestrogen found in plants, which can make you feel more emotionally robust without any of the side effects associated with a strong oestrogen like HRT.
Secondly, you could consider taking the herb Hypericum, if you are not on any other medication. This is a mild plant-based anti-depressant that many women find very supportive during the menopause. I suggest using the tincture (liquid) format if you go for this one, as it works faster than the tablets.
Thirdly, exercise makes you produce more natural anti-depressants in your own body, so although it's usually the last thing you feel like doing when your low mood strikes, a 10-20 minute walk or quick jog around the block or even 5 minutes with a skipping rope will make you feel a lot better.
If you get used to doing a small amount of exercise most days - just 10-20 minutes, nothing drastic - then you will be better protected against low mood.
It is also a good idea to see your OBYGN as they can test your hormone levels and that will give you a better idea of what is happening
Eileen Durward
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