Hormones or Depression?

Sounds like depression or maybe a thyroid imbalance. I was always tired and my thyroid was all off. As soon as I got on medicine the problem was fixed.

You are more than likely in perimenopause and you need to go to your OB GYN and INSIST they test your hormone levels and tell them what you've been experiencing. Ask them for something for the depression - something light like 5 or 10 mg of prozac. For a bit more energy use Estroven Energy (which is all natural vitamins and herbs) and MAKE YOURSELF get out and walk or exercise. The walking for even 15 mins will help. If you can't afford to get to the dr, pick up some 5 HTP from the health food store which is a natural amino acid that will help boost your moods and it is NOT harmful. The Estroven you get at Walmart. Try those things for about a week. Be sure to get the Estroven Energy and WALK. Drink alot of fluids, wean yourself off of alot of caffeine and stay away from alot of sugary high fructose things especially sodas. TRUST ME - THIS WORKS. I went thru the same thing.

The other posters are right - it could be your thyroid, hormones, or any number of things. I would definitely try to locate somewhere affordable you can go. I've felt like my hormones have been completely out of whack since I gave birth three years ago! (I am 37 as well.) My monthly cycles seem to wreak havoc on my mood, and not just at PMS time.

Until you can get in to see a doctor, you can also make sure you're giving your body what it needs for mental health. Make sure you get enough omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil capsules), B-complex, magnesium, and vitamin D - if you are deficient in any of these it can affect your mood and energy levels. (Just follow the recommended guidelines for each.) Traditional Medicinals makes an herbal tea that is supposed to "balance hormone levels" - I haven't tried it because I can't remember to drink it 3-4 times a day, but it might be worth looking into (Meijer should carry it in the tea section). These won't help much if you have an underlying problem, like your thyroid, but are worth trying until you can get in to see a doctor.

Keep searching, and post again if you need additional help!

Women can go through pre-menopause starting at age 35 up to 55. It sounds like you are experiencing pre menopause. So your estrogen level and even more important your progesterone level may be decreasing and that is why you are experiencing these symptoms. Also, are your monthly cycles regular? Are you experiencing a heavier flow than usual?

Also, it sounds like there is some financial situation as well. Stress can make one depressed and wanting to sleep more than ususal.

What you can do without spending extra money, is make sure you have a good diet. Fresh fruits/veggies, lean meats, and drink pure water (1/2 your weight in ounces).

You are not alone in the way you feel. Many women experience the same symptoms. And you may be experiencing both the pre menopause and stress.

Take care of yourself and many blessings.

Hi!!
You are only 37,so it does not sound like it is pre-menopause,it is just depression because maybe you do not eat healthy food, and you eat much sugar.
So first of all try easy things to do: change your diet:eat more sea food,fruit,veggie,honey,less sugar, bitter chocolate. And run or walk every day not less than 30 minutes a day.
Then you will see....
Best wishes!

You sound depressed and hormones may be the answer or not. I think you need to treat the depression. since you have no insurance, you can look for a counselor through your husband's employee assistance program or thru local community mental health agency (county) or your pastor if you have one. There may be a free support group you'd fit nicely into in your area as well. If it is the beginning of menopause, that'd be unusual but my daughter went thru it at your age. Either way, I'd deal with the depression by talking with someone. You can ask that person then if they think you should be referred for medication. Perhaps you cna work out something with your physician - payment plan. Don't just ignore this, Dear. Get some help. Meantime, take walks, exercise, eat right, visit people in a nursing home or do something else to reach out to others. Start small. You'll feel better with any little thing you do. Try one thing immediately.

The other poster is right - hormones can play a role in depression. Or it may have come on for no reason you'll be able to discern. There is help, though and some of the medications can be taken in very small doses. I had postpartum depression and the medication they gave me was a lifesaver.

I found a website that can help you find free or low cost healthcare in Michigan (that's where your profile said you live). I hope it helps. And please do go see someone. When you're depressed, sometimes seeking help seems like such a Hurculean task. But it will make you so much better in the end.

Here's the link:
http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-###-###-####_52115-...

Yes, welcome to the sisterhood of perimenopause. I noticed you said you don't have insurance. Most doctors are ready and willing to pop you on an antidepressant so check hormones first. If fact since you have no health ins call a near by compound pharmacy and see if they have the saliva test kits to like scrape your tongue and send in the test. There's also kits you can by online and mail in. If you can go to the library and see if they have any of the Suzanne Somers books she talks about this a great deal and is an advocate for the saliva test vs. blood test.

If the pharmacy has the kits and it's a compound pharmacy bargain with them. yes, you'd be surprised if they have the kits for the test and you may need their services if the test come back you needing something. Then hey if they sell you the test at a discount and you need them for meds it's a win, win. Worst they can say it sorry no discount. Just let them know you have no insurance.

You can also check out you local county health clinic and see at what cost you could see their nurse pract. since you feel you are having perimenopause but beware they will do blood test most likely. It's believed that at times the blood test is not as sensitive as the saliva. You also have a better reading of the saliva according to Suzanne Somers closer to your period.

you may have a vitamin deficiency. Are you taking a good multi? Also be sure you have plenty of protein in your diet.

It could be both, frankly. Lots of medical problems can mimic depression...one right off the top of my head is low thyroid levels. As far as getting in to be seen, I would look to see if there are any federally funded clinics in your area...here in Oregon they are based out of some of the county health dept's. They will see you on a sliding fee scale and will see you if you can't pay. Since it seems like it came out of the blue, your best bet is to get a medical work up to make sure it's not something "simple" like a thyroid problem.

Hi S., whether you "have a reason" to be depressed or not, depression can be due to a medical imbalance that directly affects the way you see things. I had PPD at 37 which eventually resulted in some years of anti-depressants to get me through. I tried to go off too early and felt like I was falling apart. Fortunately I recognised what was going on and got help.

My doc also suggested counseling in lieu of medication (or in tandem)....I can happily say, though, that even going through 18 months (and counting) of an "income-challenged" situation and hitting peri-menopause during this time, I have been weaning off my ADs with an increased outlook on life this summer.

Hang in there!

Go to a doctor b/c it might be a health issue like your thyroid etc.. Get it checked out. I was exhausted all the time and it ended up being a major big deal and I had to have emergency heart surgery (I had just turned 34 yrs old and am in good health). I'm confident that there is nothing wrong with your heart (mine was a congenital issue, never diagnosed), but something weird is going on and you need to figure it out with an MD!