Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: CherryC on January 12, 2023, 10:18:41 AM

Title: Low dose anti-depressant alongside hrt
Post by: CherryC on January 12, 2023, 10:18:41 AM
Morning, I just wondering if anyone takes a low dose anti-depressant alongside their hrt? If so, I would be grateful to hear about experiences, which anti-depressant, amount and which hrt. How does this make you feel, any side effects?
I am post meno and been on hrt for several years but the last couple of years I'm getting fed up with feeling grrrrr for want of a better word. Don't know if it's an age thing but don't seem to get the same pleasure from things I used to or feel very motivated. I do also take a small blob of Testosterone which is supposed to help with all of that.
Would love to hear experiences...
Thanks x
Title: Re: Low dose anti-depressant alongside hrt
Post by: sheila99 on January 12, 2023, 10:34:49 AM
Can't help with the ads but is it possible you're a bit short of oestrogen? Possibly worth increasing a bit before going down the ad route. When you say grrr - if it's an angry/aggressive grrr perhaps you have too much T.
Title: Re: Low dose anti-depressant alongside hrt
Post by: Flossieteacake on January 12, 2023, 11:09:35 AM
Anti depressants are so personal and it would be impossible for to recommend you one. The only option is to try one. I personally take vortioxetine and this is the only one that helps me but I am unusual in that respect. I do not see any harm in trying one. They seem to usually offer citalopram as it is quite common and well tolerated.

I think it is worth giving anti depressants a go. I could not cope without one.
Title: Re: Low dose anti-depressant alongside hrt
Post by: Gnatty on January 12, 2023, 11:23:46 AM
You could also make your small blob of testosterone slightly bigger and see if that makes a difference.
Title: Re: Low dose anti-depressant alongside hrt
Post by: CLKD on January 12, 2023, 12:33:49 PM
If U R on HRT then mayB a slow  tweak in dose.

Some ADs do ease hot flushes.  Some ladies need an AD as well as HRT.  It's a bit Trial and error.

Do U keep a mood/food/symptom diary to chart progress?  Let us know how you get on. 


Title: Re: Low dose anti-depressant alongside hrt
Post by: CherryC on January 12, 2023, 03:58:24 PM
Thank you all for your various suggestions, which are really helpful. By grrr I guess I mean irritable and stressy and normally I'm a very placid person. Low mood/slight racey heart and lack of motivation too.   It could well be that some more tweaks are necessary but always so difficult to know in which direction.  Perhaps I will try a slight increase in both estrogen (currently on 75) and T and work back down if that doesn't work - or reduce and work back up.   I may consider discussing a low dose AD with the practitioner.
Title: Re: Low dose anti-depressant alongside hrt
Post by: CLKD on January 12, 2023, 04:29:03 PM
Let us know how you get on?
Title: Re: Low dose anti-depressant alongside hrt
Post by: sheila99 on January 12, 2023, 10:42:20 PM
I'm sure you already know but best to change one thing at a time so you know what effect it has. Good luck, I hope feel better soon.
Title: Re: Low dose anti-depressant alongside hrt
Post by: CherryC on January 13, 2023, 08:46:08 AM
Thank you sheila99, that's a good reminder to change one thing at a time.