Stress Center Peer Support

I'm kind of young to be in early pre-menopause stage, but it's driving me batty! I had anxiety since late teens. I never felt depressed. Then this started and I've been crabby, irritable, and just plain weepy/sad. I know all the emotional stuff that comes with the "change" but geez, I didn't know what depression/anger was until I started the 'change', it's ugly.

In my 20's I had tried Paxil and gained TONS of weight. From 98 to 180 and my metabolism was fabulous prior to Paxil, couldn't gain weight until paxil. So whenever ANYONE mentions an SSRI, I run screaming into the night, well, I feel like it because it scares the heck out of me! I currently can't lose weight now when I exercise, so I do not need an SSRI to put weight on me. I already need to lose 25 pounds.

So, this is my question (sorry it took a time) has anyone dealt with peri-menopausal depression (while having anxiety issues now and then) and what besides an SSRI can work? I seriously hate the class of drugs because it ruined my self esteem. If it weren't for my gyn doc I'd probably have gained more weight on paxil. Lost 14 pounds in 1 week off it. Um, tells you something. Anyways, they prescribed Celexa and I never took it. I'm meeting with my new gyn (old one retired) and going to discuss the depression issue with her...maybe new hormone prescription?

I'm with you girlfriend! I have had terrible peri menopausal anxiety and depression. It is good you are goin to someone about your hormones. I go a nurse practitioner who did a saliva test on me to get a reading of my hormones. Based on the results she then prescribed bio-identical estrogen/progesterone for me. It has helped, especially with hot flashes.
I have continually been on Effexor XR which is an (SNRI) and it has worked well for me too-with no weight gain. As hard as it is, walking and exercise is a great stress buster as well. Good luck to you. N Willing

My doctor tried birth control pills which made me gain 15 pounds. So. . .I finally gave in and tried Celexa. I've only been on it a week so I won't know for a few weeks how it will work for PMS. . . but it actually decreases my appetite so I'm hoping I won't gain like I did 15 years ago when I was on Tofranil.

Thank you both for your helpful opinions. I hope Tuesday gives good results or I might be looking for a new gynocologist. The nurse practitioner isn't covered by insurance, but they seem smart. I just think the anxiety stuff I've dealt with for ages is making the "change" worse. Cross your fingers for me!
Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

wantrelief

If you saw some of my past posts (I don't post that often) I think that natural progesterone could benefit tons of women of all ages. I always tell people to pick up the book by John Lee, M.D., What your doctor may not tell you about Pre-menopause, or The Wisdom of Menopause by Christane Northrup, M.D. Both books talk in great deal about all kinds of women's issues and bringing the body back into balance using lots of different natural ways. Everybody is different, that's for sure.

On another note, I went off an antidepressant 2 years ago (Yay!!) and I started using St. Johns Wort. Although everyone is different, I absolutely love this stuff. No weight gain, no weird side effects except for sun sensitivity and stuff but IT WORKS! I mean, it takes 2-4 wks, 6 is even better and I feel great on it. Just an option to throw at you. Good luck .