Hi all,
I just wanted to add an update; after weeks of medical appointments, and extensive testing, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in late November. Even while on medication for this, I was still not improving...more testing occurred recently (especially as I developed more symptoms - like worsening fatigue, apathy, hair loss, weight gain), and my doctor now suspects a possible benign pituitary gland tumor (that is causing secondary hypothyroidism and other hormonal dysfunction). I will soon have an MRI and see an endocrinologist.

I'm only posting this to encourage anyone with severe, ongoing, refractory depression to get tested (i.e. full blood work, etc.) for possible physical causes (like a hormonal problem, in my case). It is better to know about, or at least be able to rule out, such causes. Unfortunately, many mental health patients have their physical health overlooked; every symptom is ascribed to their mental health issue. Please insist your doctor checks out every possibility for your symptoms - especially if they are severe and not getting better with treatment.

I do have depression as well, but in my case my hormonal disorder is likely a key contributor to it. My blood work showed abnormally low T3 and T4, low/normal TSH, and very low estrogen (in case anyone was wondering how my doctor found out). I still need to confirm the exact diagnosis and treatment, but I really hope I will get better.

Take care all, and I hope everyone is having a good holiday season; Merry belated Xmas and best wishes for the New Year! I am thinking of you all, and hoping you all get better. Thank you for your support. xo

-Brenda