1. < Women's Health

Menopause and depression

Posted by sue417 @sue417, 6 days ago

Hi
So I was taken off my h rt after fourteen years last nov 2023 Because I had breast cancer. I am coming up on one year Since I finished treatment. I am going through brutal hot flashes , anxiety and depression like I have never had this before. Having crying spells out of no where. I can't treat my hormone issues.Because my breast cancer is hormone Positive, trying to find the right medication with my Doctor to help with my depression and anxiety has been difficult because I'm so sensitive to medication.Just started a new one and it's been pretty tough. I am so tired of this and want to get my life back. I wake up with anxiety from the dead sleep which I find very strange. Just wondered if anyone else has gone through this after breast cancer and not being able to take hormone therapy. I am on my own and it's been difficult. Finally get to start counseling Apr 10.

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1oldsoul | @1oldsoul | 1 day ago
In reply to @marjou "I have had two sisters and mom with breast cancer due to high estrogen. I have..." + (show)
@marjou

I have had two sisters and mom with breast cancer due to high estrogen. I have severe depression and bipolar for years and because of this family history doctors have not been receptive to my starting HRT, but post menopausal symptoms and vaginal dryness became so unbearable that I insisted that this latter part of my life, currently ate 70, be more bearable. In consult with a female ob/ gyn we came to a mutual decision that minimal estrogen would improve my quality of life and depression. It has been helpful for me.

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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.

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marjou | @marjou | 1 day ago

@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. ❤️

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