Menopause and depression

It is always great to hear a success story about the benefits of hormones. What kind of estrogen were you prescribed? Oral or vaginal/transdermal? Do you only use estrogen or also progesterone with it? I am 71 and also have so many menopausal issues such as vaginal atrophy, dryness, insomnia, difficulty maintaining body temperature and now depression. The depression really hit me at the beginning of last Feb. Did your depression clear up soon after using the hormone therapy? Did you have sleep issues that it helped with? Thank you for sharing your experience.

@1oldsoul Prior generations never talked about menopause, but I chose to be my own advocate to have a better quality of life. Had many years of depression and it still is in my life, but am able to enjoy some things in life like dancing. My ob/ gyn and I started on 10 mcg vaginal tabs 2 times a week to start, but there are other options like vaginal cream like Estradiol. Be open with your doctor about your symptoms and what you need help in comfort. Yes, have many years of little to no sleep and now use quetiapine to help. Be persistent for medical professionals need to catch up to address our needs during menopause. I just watched an Oprah special on ABC where they talked about this topic. Hope this helps. Let’s keep in touch. Good luck. ❤️

@sue417 I gradually worked up to 200mg of Zoloft and 150mg of Wellbutrin. Each one works on different sides of the brain. I also take 1mg of Xanax twice a day. I’ve been on this for years now and I feel great. Menopause can be really horrific! Praying for you 🙏God bless xx

I have always battled with depression. My effexor has worked for me for years. A month ago it was like a slap in the face of severe depression. Extremely high anxiety and even suicidal thoughts. I'm waiting for my hormones to be checked to confirm i am in menopause. I have no sex drive anymore, severe mood swings, high anxiety and no energy. I just need to know if it gets better. I'm barely hanging on

@menohell
Hi
I am happy to say that my doctor finally found the right medication I'm on Zoloft 50 mg it's fantastic. I am 67 I have been in menopause since my fifties and going off the HRT made it extremely apparent but this medication has changed my life and I finally have my life back. If you are able to take HRT I strongly suggest it it worked great for me for 14 years but I can no longer take that. I took estrogel and prometrium . I hope you get some answers soon because it's very frustrating.

@sue417

I'm so happy you found something that works. I'm at the beginning of this nightmare and trying to find what will help.

@sue417
I don’t have the cancer issue but as you stated: “ I wake up with anxiety from the dead sleep which I find very strange.”
I have been experiencing this for 2 months. I a 67 yo retired professional with absolutely no history of anxiety. In the last 15 years I have had hot flashes that I have been able to manage without therapy. So maybe the low estrogen had caught up to me causing this sudden development. I wish I could provide you solutions. I want to thank you so much for your post because it confirms my suspicion that HRT may be a solution for me.
I wish you well and God be with you. 🙏