Depression or peri menopause

[Amiperi]

I have felt depressed for over 2 years now. I was on anti depressants last year for almost a year but they didn’t work so I stopped. I’ve had phases like this before in life and usually after a few years it does go away but this time it just won’t shift. On paper my life is fine (although not perfect but whose is)…I don’t have any reason to feel this way. I’m 44… could it be peri menopause and not depression?

It could well be. Have you any other symptoms?

No I don’t have any other peri symptoms. No hot flushes, periods still fairly regular. Does that mean I’m not peri? What other symptoms should I look out for?

My periods are regular and I was defo peri at 48. Hot flushes were not what I thought they were. I was expecting sudden episodes of being drenched in sweat instead I felt like an oven that's temp had been increased. Pains in joints, memory issues, anger, itchiness, dry skin, depression and just not feeling like me at all. Not saying it is peri but worth getting checked out OP but do your research first as not all Doctors have had the new training. Also, the Menopause Doctors Louise Newsom has an excellent, informative website. Good luck

Thanks for your response. The anger…oh I get that! I’m always angry about anything and everything…even things that happened years ago that don’t even matter now! How does a GP check if I’m peri? Is there a hormone test or something?

My (limited) knowledge is that NICE guidelines state diagnosis should be on symptoms rather than blood tests as hormones rollercoaster so it can be difficult to get correct levels. Have a look at the menopause board on here and there's a few books worth a read from reputable sources.

Thanks for your help. I didn’t realise there is a menopause board, I’ll head over and take a look

Sorry couldn't think of the name of DrLN's book so was vague. Here it is - 


Dr Louise Newson
The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause - The Sunday Times bestseller 2024

If you have the time, take a look at Georgia Ede on youtube, she wrote a really good book on how food affects the brain and mental health.
And also take a look at Mindy Pelz, she explains hormones and how they affect women really well.
Best of luck.

Thank you, I’ll take a look