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I am a 52 year old woman who was still having periods, although very irregular, until a few months ago. Now I am having none. I started getting anxiety attacks last October and attributed it to my sister's death but now I'm unsure. I went to my GP and he said my hormone panel showed normal levels. This made me think I'd lost my mind. I had raging insomnia at the time.
I have been trying different anti-depressants with no luck so far. I am taking Seroquel for sleep but still am waking up due to night sweats. I am weaning off of it due to the high side effect profile. I wish I'd never started it.
Could this depression/anxiety be from a hormonal imbalance? I did suffer post-partum depression when our son was born but gutted it out until it resolved. I don't know how long I can "gut" this out, I'm trying but am so confused. I don't know who to see who can do the right tests. I have had night sweats for several years. They are off the charts now.
I've attributed this all to a mental issue but could I be wrong and if so how can I find the right person to help me? I have read that a regular hormone panel won't accurately profile hormones in a woman my age. I'm not against anti-depressants but don't want to keep trying them if there is something else that will work.
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Hi Anon,
Thank you for sharing your question with the EmpowHER community.
Your hormonal imbalance can definitely play a part in your mental health. It is estimated that between 8% and 15% in menopause experience depression in women of some form and sometime it begins in perimenopause.
I would ask your female friends if there is anyone they can reccomend. In addition, it might be a matter of you researching what others have had success with and discussing with a medical professional prior to trying.
Sorry I am unable to give more specifics, but with hormones, we are all so different.
Be well,
April 15, 2016 - 9:44pm~Gillette
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