Posted by Lorraine on June 28, 2001, at 10:19:09
In reply to Re: Progesterone and Depression » Zo, posted by shelliR on June 28, 2001, at 9:35:33
> > My worst, killer depressions were on oral contraceptives.. .from the progesterone. Which I now take as micronized progesterone, and tolerate just fine. My understanding was that progesterone is the primary depressive prob. with o.c.s. . and PMS. .
> >
> > I get a tiny hit from yr post that you're anti-estrogen? No? There *are* better forms than Premarin. . .
>
> Hi Zo. No, I'm not anti-estrogen. Just very confused about it. The reason I felt that I needed to quote what was said was because of my situation. That is, no one would automatically suggest estrogen to me now, because I am symptom free in regard to perimenapausal symptoms. (No hot flashes, sweats.) But my depression has definitely been on the rise in the past year.
>
> What I hadn't understood from your post was that everyone in the study had perimenapausal symptoms. From your post I thought all women, 45 and over and depressed should be given estrogen as a first line antidepressant. Anyway, I was just trying to put everything on the table, I wasn't trying to criticize you. Again, I am grateful for the citation.
>
>
> I am confused also about the estrogen-progesterone balance, since progesterone (natural, in suppository form) helps me so much with my premenstrual physical symptoms. I have a really good gyn; I think a trip to her is way overdue.
>
> Also because my sister had breast cancer , that puts me in a higher risk category. So the benefits of ERT have to outweigh the risks. So there are two questions: (1) would ERT help my depression and; (2) How high are the risks involved?
>
> Thanks again for starting this thread; it's really good to be able to have a discussion about it.
>
> Shelliwhen i was placed on estrogen, it was estratest until I stabilized (yet to happen, but maybe in this lifetime) because of the depressant effect of progesterone. they do not recommend this, however, because of the risk of uterine cancer so I have an ultrasound every 6 months to check things out.
Shelli--the risk of breast cancer is ambiguous. Studies have gone both ways, with some showing a lower risk (one hypothesis is that the women are more careful checking themselves?). Anyway, a big study is now underway to determine this but by the time we have results, your decision window will have closed. Most of what I have read (I have breast cancer in my family too) is that the risk increases after 5 years of use. Anyway, remember too the decreased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and alzheimers. (I will say the skin does improve considerably as a side benefit as does sexual lubrication.) You might try it and see if it works. If it does, then you might consider switching to a natural form after a spell--these forms are supposed to be associated with less risk.
poster:Lorraine
thread:67708
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010625/msgs/68229.html