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[cherub0308]

Hi ladies

Had an appointment with a gynaecologist today. Said what I described was menopausal symptoms. Has suggested removal of my ovaries but symptoms could get worse.

Also suggested CBT .

My periods are still regular but the symptoms I am going through are awful. Depression. anxiety.
Finding it difficult to leave the house alone. Don't want to do things I normally enjoy.

Does any one have any advice ?

Thank you

Cherub0308

[CLKD]

Depression and anxiety - is that why you visited the Doctor?

If so you need to have treatment ........ but probably not removal of the ovaries  which will plunge you into menopause.


.......... have you taken anti-depressant or anxiety medication recently?  I take a beta-blocka for anxiety and have an emergency pill for 'bad' days, plus 5mg of AD every night and morning.  Depression and anxiety can accompnay peri-menopause which is what requires treatment, i.e. hormone replacement therapy.  Remind me of your age?


 

[cherub0308]

Hi clkd

I've been waiting 6 wks to see the gynaecologist. My symptoms have got worse in the past few years. Been on anti depressants for Five. I am 47.

Tried three different types prozac, citralopram and venlefaxine.
 Been given estrogen in the past which made my body ache all over and I gained half a stone.

Cherub0308

[Taz2]

Removal of your ovaries is a really drastic step I feel. The ovaries continue to produce a small amount of oestrogen even when post-menopausal and as CLKD says it will plunge you straight into surgical menopause.

Usually I think that women are offered a course of injections to shut down the ovaries for a few months to give you an idea of what it would be like if you have them removed. Has this been offered to you?

Taz x

[CLKD]

   Taz.

What symptoms are worse for you Cherub0308 - 6 weeks is about 'right' for an NHS Appt with a Consultant. 

How long did you take each AD for?  Sometimes one needs 6-8 months before one even notices any difference.  If you are able to get over any side-effects it's worth while sticking with an AD for at least 12 months.  I fought against them but lost several years of my Life  .

These meds routes can be a mine-field 

[cherub0308]

Hi clkd and taz

Thank you for replying.

No I wasn't offered a course of injections. My worst symptoms are depression and anxiety.

I was on Prozac about 3 years, citralopram just made me sleep all the time. I'm now taking venlefaxine. I have been on this for a year.

Yes I realise that you wait about 6wks for an nhs appointment.Just think I was probably being too optimistic that seeing a gynaecologist would be the answer to me seeing a light at the of the tunnel.

 Think maybe when you have suffered for a number of years its difficult.

Cherub x

[sweatybet]

I would read the article in the daily mail today's good health pages. About hormone gel and depression

Sb

[Trey]

The ovaries serve many functions and the lack of same may change normal blood flow.  I think of unnecessary ovarian removal the same as asking a man if he'd like to have his testicles removed.  Good grief.

[CLKD]

Why did your GP refer you to a Gynaecologist  ………. as an Orthopaedic secretary I can't understand the logic …….

I would not be keen to have such a radical operation - I've suffered depression and anxiety for 40 years++. 

I found Venlafaxine really good, how are you getting on with it?  Maybe you need to up the dosage!

[Limpy]

Cherub - Removal of the ovaries seems awfully drastic, especially when your symptoms could get worse. CLKD has said lots of sensible things especially about ADs.

As a matter of interest - is your consultant is a man?
If - yes - then ask him if would like his *****  removed - it makes about as much sense.

[CLKD]

   Limpy - I wasn't brave enough to say it.

How do you feel Cherub, having shared a little here?

[Limpy]

  CLKD but Trey had paved the way, giving a fine example to follow.

[CLKD]

     ………. I think this stems from the GP referral  …… I wonder what other symptoms are bothersome.

[cherub0308]

I also have fibroids and was having heavy periods. I had the coil, but then had it removed, as I was wondering if I was intolerant to it as my symptoms were getting worse. I felt suicidal a couple of times.

This was removed at the end of April and it was heavy in May. Then June and July were normal.

Maybe the Dr didn't know what else to try???

Yes I agree it does sound drastic but when you are going through hell every month and anti D's not helping its not easy.

The gynaecologist I saw was a woman. She also suggested CBT for the depression. Unless you have gone through depression I don't think people know what it feels like.

When I upped the dosage I was on another planet!!

I feel sick and tired of it all and no I won't be having my ovaries removed. My sister also said the same, to hang on to them.

I don't know how you have coped clkd for so many years. You have obviously got the right treatment.

Thanks everyone for all your advice.

Cherub x

[CLKD]

   Cherub.  Sometimes I don't know how I got through either, twice I nearly ended it ......... what with a dysfunctional childhood; heavy, painful, bloody periods; PMT; phobia; panic attacks and depression .......... I am lucky in that once away from the dysfunctional mother with a husband who still loves me  and with the support of a Very Good GP who will never know how GOOD he is  as well as friends in the Vet. profession who also supported me ........<wave>

I did try CBT but my problems were deep rooted, I think it probably works better for someone recently traumatised.  But I did find talking therapy with a complete stranger helped: vent, vent, vent - discuss, decide, ditch  .

That explains the appt with a gynae  .  I have to up my AD doseage occasionally.  When my brain requires extra support, after 5/10 days I can go back to 5mg day and evening.  My GP is OK with my self medicating.

Remind me: are you stll taking ADs and what doseage?  (meno fog here  )