Antidepressants for perimenopause

[ChoudeBruxelles]

Hi. Just been to the gp about peri menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flushes. One of the things she suggested (after having bloods done) is anti depressants. Has anyone taken antidepressants for the menopause?

I hear what you say Jingling. I did see a private GP with an interest in the menopause, back in April. She charged me £250

You need an expert, private gynaecologist who specialises in menopause OR a GP who works solely with menopausal women (there are some around.) They can prescribe but would also work alongside an oncologist.

I find it hard to understand why some GPs are reluctant to prescribe HRT. The condition (menopause) is caused by lack of oestrogen, replacing the oestrogen is the natural remedy. Giving SSRIs or the like is illogical.
I have been on HRT for 30 years. Life would be unbearable without it.

I'm nearly 45 so fairly young (well that's what I tell myself anyway). I still have periods, so what I understand is HRT is not really an option at the moment because of that.

My mum had breast cancer, and although I know science has moved on I'm still wary of HRT as we were told that her cancer was probably linked to taking it.

However my dad had osteoporosis linked to crohns disease so I need to explore whether I'm at a higher risk of that because of him.

Honestly though I just want a good night's sleep without waking up sweating and then feeling dreadful the next day because I'm so bloody tired.

@Esspee exactly. HRT is replacing the oestrogen which was ALREADY there. Not adding MORE oestrogen on top of. So what’s the issue? Am I missing something somewhere?..

ChoudeBruxelles I started HRT at 44.5yrs, and still have periods but lots of symptoms that were disrupting my life despite trying diet & exercise, so don’t be afraid to talk to your GP.

i found HRT sorted out my perimenopausal issues and i feel better than i ever did on antidepressants.

Im also on 50mg of 5htp every night. That helps too

TriSkiRun99 thanks. She immediately ruled out HRT as I still have periods. I'm actually scared of taking it because of cancer risks (even though it might be very very small). The benefits at the moment don't outweigh the tiny risk to me. Maybe I will feel differently in a few years?

I was prescribed ADs for the relief of Peri symptoms. The hot flushes were the most severe I was suffering at the time. Over a few months the ADs reduced the number and severity of the flushes but not to a significant extent that I was able to function well at work. When I went back and got HRT - symptoms significantly reduced within weeks.

I'd also caution really checking out the AD that is prescribed - mine were not suitable for me because of other conditions. I got the feeling that if the appointment had been to find a suitable AD for relief of symptoms for which they should be prescribed (i.e. not menopause) then much more consideration would have been taken over the choice. As it was it felt a lot like "Yay! She's accepted ADs, another one I didn't have to give HRT to - here have these"

It was the brain fog ChoudeBruxelles that finally made me go see my GP. Plus I’d watched my older sister descend into terrible anxiety & flushes & sleepless nights linked to hormonal changes. My job is technical and lots of thinking required I felt at times I was and am trying So hard just to appear “normal” Like a swan peddling frantically underneath to keep on top off stuff whilst a slug walks through my mind. Gd luck with trying things to help. Running and swimming help me keep sane no matter how tired I feel the endorphins release is lifesaving.

@ChoudeBruxelles

You are ONLY 45! HRT is to top up your own hormones till you are early 50s at least.

There is no risk using HRT for 5 years if you are 45. The risks only kick in for women post menopause.

Do some reading around on it.

Why suffer with all these symptoms when something is there that is safe and will help you?

m nearly 45 so fairly young (well that's what I tell myself anyway). I still have periods, so what I understand is HRT is not really an option at the moment because of that.

There are two types of HRT
1 For women with periods
2 For women post menopause.

If your GP doesn't know that she ought not to be working.

JinglingHellsBells it is very confusing as there is a lot of conflicting information out there.

I’ve read that combined hrt is great for peri menopausal women still having period on one hand but other places say it increases the risks of breast cancer by 75%

Other days oestrogen only hrt is better for women whose periods have stopped. Other places say combined is better.

I can't take HRT for cancer-related reasons and as a result I'm on a low dose of Venlafaxine (37.5mg). I think it has helped with the hot flushes (since I forgot to take them for a couple of days and my sleep was really disrupted (although V is meant to be a cumulative dose so, who knows...). My other symptoms were anxiety and kind of whirring thoughts and again, it seems better although I do still get v tired. I wish I could be on HRT but it's an acceptable alternative.

I’ve read that combined hrt is great for peri menopausal women still having period on one hand but other places say it increases the risks of breast cancer by 75%

It depends on whether you mean the absolute figures. 75% increase of (for example) 1 case in 1 million women would be 1.75 cases in 1 million. which is still very rare.

Not sure what you have read but it's certainly not the case.

You need to do some reading on medical sites.

Look at the sites Menopause Matters and My Menopause Doctor (both written by drs.)

Links

www.menopausematters.co.uk/pdf/Understanding%20Risk%20of%20Breast%20Cancer.pdf

[[https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/balance.php]

www.menopausematters.co.uk/pm-definition.php

www.menopausematters.co.uk/pm-management.php

www.menopausematters.co.uk/risks.php

Other days oestrogen only hrt is better for women whose periods have stopped. Other places say combined is better.

You're confused.
ALL women with a uterus have to take estrogen and progestins.

Only women who have had a hysterectomy can use estrogen only.

You will find reading around the sites above helpful.

@ChoudeBruxelles

www.menopausematters.co.uk/risks.php

Thank you. Will have a look