Hormonal depression

[Littleindiangirl]

I am 50 and my periods are very erratic now, last year, I went 5 months without a period. My only symptom is very low mood, I wouldnt say depression as I am able to function every day, work, exercise etc. But my heart is heavy and I don't feel any joy. My world also feels like its getting smaller and I'm losing touch with friends with no motivation to change. It's all a bit of a struggle really. I have started to do some research and I have looked up a London menopause clinic and read about the link with pnd, pmt and the menopause and depression. I have suffered with pnd and terrible pmt. Should I go to my doctor first as I think I need testosterone too as my libido is non existent. Or should I pay up to 1000 with the first consultation, tests etc.and bypass my doctor. Can anyone advise? Many thanks in advance.

I’ve read up a lot on hormonal depression lately as I’m convinced this is exactly what I have. It describes my life to a tee!
I’ve just started with mood symptoms in the last 6 months aged 41 and I feel like I have pnd again.
I’d probably advise seeing your GP first but be mindful of some of the advise I’ve seen on here about being armed with NICE guidelines as some GP’s blissfully unaware of it. Good luck xx

@Littleindiangirl Hormonal depression as described on that website (Studd) is more about women who are fertile and having severe PMS.

What you are describing is menopause.

If you want to see a private consultant, fair enough, but there ought to be no need because NICE approves HRT for use in women with low mood. I pasted a uote from them in a previous thread 2 days ago and will dig it out for you.

You do not need to spend £1k!!!

Most consultants charge £250-£300 for the 1st appt and less for follow ups. These are Harley St consultants so anyone charging more is ripping you off.

You do not need blood tests- they diagnose menopause on symptoms alone in women over 45.

You do not need a whole array of any tests.

Your GP cannot give you testosterone- it can only be prescribed off label by a consultant because it is not available as a treatment for women on the NHS unless by a consultant.

Also, the route is to start with estrogen (HRT) and if that doesn't help- which it may well do- you can try testosterone later but not before or at the same time for a few months.

Your GP can give you HRT which will be the same as any consultant. If you find it doesn't suit you and you try maybe 3 types and still no joy, that may be the time to see someone to fine tune it, but it won't cost you £1K. (I have had private care for menopause for 10+ years.)

See below from NICE.
Psychological symptoms
1.4.5 Consider HRT to alleviate low mood that arises as a result of the menopause.

1.4.6Consider CBT to alleviate low mood or anxiety that arise as a result of the menopause.

1.4.7 Ensure that menopausal women and healthcare professionals involved in their care understand that there is no clear evidence for SSRIs or SNRIs to ease low mood in menopausal women who have not been diagnosed with depression (see the NICE guideline on depression in adults)

Menopause consultants are very concerned about this incorrect use of ADs,, the British Menopause Society is running courses all year round to train GPs on this and menopause GPs (like Dr Louise Newson) have numerous articles on their website discussing the incorrect treatment of women who were given ADs.

I was severe depressed 2 years ago due to meno. I didn’t recognize myself and could hardly work.
It was very sudden for me cause I used to be a very energetic and active person ( I am athlete).
But I had a lot of physical symptoms, aches, insomnia, headaches etc.

Thank you so much for your advice, yes it was Studd. I will go to my gp next week.