Depression/Menopause/Decreased Sex Drive
Posted By: Anonymous on 2009-06-08
In Reply to:
I was wondering if any has any suggestions for increasing a woman's sex drive. I have been on Wellbutrin and trazodone for years and now I am going through menopause on hormone replacement. (I am 47 and had an ovary removed last year which caused me to go into menopause.) The last few years my sex drive has decreased to almost nil. Any suggestions/information would be much appreciated.
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Losing your sex drive with menopause is
part of the natural progression of our biology.
Are floaters connected to decreased balance?
Anyone heard of this?
I'm not in menopause, but (sm)
I have atypical migraines to where my speech goes wonky, I have paresthesias, my head spins, and I can't walk right. I have problems with them premenstrually as well. The thing that has helped me the most was the overall change in my diet. That might not be much help, but that is my personal experience. Medications didn't do much for me. Once in a while the caffeine makes migraines worse but it usually helps.
I hope you find relief soon.
menopause
All natural here too though I did try the usual OTC herbal remedies which didn't help. I finally went on Prozac just to have some sanity. Perimenopause if I recall lasted roughly 1-1/2 years before the periods stopped altogether.
menopause
It is clear that no one takes hormones for perimenopause symptoms. It seems pretty clear that the upset posters are taking antidepressants for their perimenopause.
So I don't even think this is a debate about natural menopause. I think this has become a debate about antidepressants, which I don't care to have.
The original question was to people who were going through natural menopause.
Menopause
I went through premature menopause (started going through it before age 35, am now 39), and I have not once taken replacement hormones. I've only experienced mild hot flashes and only mild sweating on the back of my neck at night. I'm not sure how long I was in perimenopause, as my diagnosis was made after my periods had completely stopped for 7 months...my first GYN refused to believe it was menopause at such a young age, but my new GYN ran every test imaginable to make sure it wasn't something worse, then did the "big test" and it came back showing I was in full menopause. I starting having "problems" at around age 29 though (irregular periods, etc.). I was actually happy because now I was free to make vacation plans without worrying about "mother nature" showing up unexpectedly.
menopause - and it's pleasures
I have been having my own personal summers now for 10 years ever since having a hysterectomy and removal of my ovaries (the dr wasn't supposed to remove them but he did - and the next patient got my bladder suspension - it was a big mess). Anyway - I tried some herbals from time to time - nothing really worked. I have been on estradiol injections every 2 weeks for the past 9 years - and this is the only thing that comes close to helping. It was nice in the winter - i would sleep with the heat off and especially when it was down in the teens, I could count on a goodnight's sleep with my room temperature sitting around 45-50 - and sleeping with as few clothes on as possible. I wish I had an answer for you - I would get out of MTing and sit back and enjoy my billions - but I don't think anyone has the answer. You might try some Ambien (the regular not the CR) it at least keeps you asleep - you just wake up with wet clothing and sheets in the mornings but you don't realize that you are sweating during the night. In fact, you won't even remember anything that you do or say after about 15 minutes after swallowing that little pill.
Male menopause
Is anyone's signifant other going though male menopause, mid life crisis (or whatever it is called). If so, how old are they and what is it they're going through (or better yet what are you going through). Mine is not bipolar or depressed (although he's making me depressed). Just wondering what others are facing with their husbands.
This is me right now - 
perimenopause/menopause
Anyone here go through the perimenopause/menopause without hormones. No birth control pills or HRT?
Mostly, how long did the perimenopause last before the year without the period?
Dear Menopause...
Thank you for no hot flashes and no warning of your arrival. Thank you for the worst of this being a certain amount of brain fuzz, especially when I am tired. Thank you for not bothering me with heavy or irregular gifts from Mother Nature. Thank you for showing up just when I had run out of Tampax anyway. Most all, thank you for coming right in time for my 48th birthday and bringing the gift of keeping pretty panties pretty permanently.
HAHAHA- Wait until you hit menopause.SM
forgetfulness - returns in middle age to late middle age - happens to many/most w/menopause - you will become forgetful....*lolol*
and there is no escape unless, of course, you CHOOSE to take hormonal replacement therapy - which many have not and do not today due to the other very severe problems HRT causes...
YO - but a shout out to you - BEST OF LUCK IN YOUR MID 40s-50s......and 60s-70s w/that forgetfulness. *roflmao* and it doesn't get better into your 80s and 90s either. THINK ABOUT IT....*lol*
Your problem seems to be that you leave ABSOLUTELY no room for error, and it's all gonna come back and slap you in the face in a decade or two or three. I promise this - I don't wish it on you.....but it's KARMA -
KARMA - very much like a kinahura (spelling is wrong but YOU know what I mean) equates to what goes around, comes back around, and bites you right on the face (or in the tuchas.......take your pick)......
  
Yes, especially if you're around that menopause time, too. This was
s
To poster below on insomnia and menopause
Oprah will be a very informative show today on us women going through menopause. Dr. Christine NOrthrup is the guest and she's wonderful - there'll be lots of good tips for eating right, controlling our hormones, sleeping well, etc. It's all about the mind/body connection which I wholeheartedly believe in too. Catch the show if you can.
I started a soy menopause tablet
recently. I also changed jobs because I now have no tolerance for sitting at home doing one thing. With my new job I am constantly moving, working with other people, half men, half women, get to be outside in the sunshine, and we laugh and joke all day. I haven't faced the ugly week yet, but I'm hoping it will be better. For a while there I was alternating between just sleeping the day away or screaming in frustration.
My sister has PMDD and does great on Prozac, but the only thing I'm taking now is 1/2 a clonazapam at night to sleep and multivitamin with minerals and extra D and the soy menopause stuff. But I can't tell you how it's lifting my spirits to be doing physical stuff, even sitting and kneeling on the floor of a greenhouse pulling weeds or sweeping the floor, laughing and joking with other people. It's not good for me to be inside, working all alone.
I just read 2 books on menopause sm
Apparently once you miss your first period, it takes on average 4 years for the peri- and full-blown menopause to be completed. Some get through faster, some slower. I'm 50 and have only missed a single period so far, but the mood swings are horrendous already, as well as the increased bleeding. EEEK - this is not gonna be fun!
Google Dr Christiane Northrup; she's written extensively about the process.
Way past menopause, surgical back in the
89s, but my hair loss mostly due to the thyroid problem. Know age can play a part but diagnosed as coming from the problem with hormones.
I've had thinning hair every since menopause...
It's not like it comes out in gobs but just is thinning out really bad, basically can't do a ponytail anymore. My NP just said, yeah that's just the breaks with menopause and didn't want to do any testing. I finally went to a dermatologist, who ran thyroid tests and also iron tests, because he said in his experience hair loss was often associated with low ferritin. I know that I don't get much iron in my diet and took vitamins without iron since menopause, so switched to a vitamin with iron, seems to be a little better but maybe just my imagination... my ferritin was on the very low edge of normal, almost into low range. My thyroid tests came back okay.
Also about docs prescribing certain meds,I do know some veternarians who got bonuses, prizes, etc. for presribing so much of certain drugs... like quite NICE prizes. Wonder if this happens with doctors and prescribing certain drugs when they insist on a certain one...don't know but sometimes makes one wonder.
mine's been going through menopause his entire life nm
wal-mart...polaroid dvr...ebay...okay dokay
sounds like a menopause sneak attack
Your call on how to handle it, but it sounds hormonally motivated to me....the crying inappropriately about a child you are not raising kind of gives it away.
IMO definitely depression
I think people get freaked when you say depression because they think of Grapes of Wrath or what our grandparents talk about what they went through. They say "Oh that'll never happen here" - "Gas at $3.00 your nuts, that'll never happen to us". I think that as long as they don't cancel American Idol people don't care. I talk to siblings they have no idea of what's going on in the economy but they know the statistics of all American Idols or Survivors. It's sad. I definitely see a depression coming. First, gas prices are soaring. People can't afford it. If they can't afford it they can't get themselves to work, or they work OT just to pay for gas to get to work (when OT is available). Food prices rising. Reports of food shortages in areas, jobs being shipped overseas. Then the wierd weather patterns I also believe somehow affect the economy. To me I see a major depression hitting us. Also I do read a lot of websites (the kind that my family thinks I'm into conspiracies - that is until they start hearing the same news I'm telling them about, they just hear about it months later and pretend I never told them anything).
depression?
Okay so they say, finally, that we are in a recession. I am thinking that we may be going into another Great Depression. Call me doom and gloom but come on now, look at life. So, my question is to those of you who stock up on stuff. What do you stock up on and how do u do it? I mean, do you go out one day when you grocery shop and just spend a fortune on extra stuff or do you spread it out. Also, those of you that mentioned being stocked up, obvious it limits grocery trips and probably saves some money here and there but if we face a depression, do you think that there will be a huge shortage of food in our grocery stores?
depression
Ladies, help me out. What physical conditions can cause depression or mood swings? For the past few months I have been experiencing bouts of depression that seem to come out of nowhere and hit me like a ton of bricks. Within the span of 5 minutes I go from feeling normal and content to feeling like life is completely meaningless and hopeless. This is completely out character for me. I have always had a positive outlook, very even-tempered, and don't even get emotional around my period. The year 2008 was one of the most stressful years of my life and there is still a lot of stress going on so I realize it could indeed be that I have reached my emotional limit, but if there could be a physical cause, I am willing to entertain that as well. Thanks for any insight.
Do you think he could be going through depression maybe? sm
Depression is an illness and it can definitely make you lose motivation or desire for anything. Just a thought.
I wonder if he has depression & if
depression meds would help pull him out of his funk so he could be at least motivated enough to get out & work? I fight depression & don't feel like working, but of course I do it because I have to support myself, but maybe he has a greater degree of depression?
On the other hand, I had a relative like this, and as long as anyone would hand him money, he wouldn't do anything to help himself. When people would cut him off, he'd work a while... My husband & I decided after a while of that that we would feed him when he came over to eat because we always have leftovers anyway, that we would quit handing him money but would never let him go hungry & he was welcome to eat with us anytime he wanted, but that would be the extent of it.
If he already owns a dump truck, he should be able to at least do a job here & there & get by though. I know men who would love to own their own dump truck!
There's no easy answer & I feel for you.
Depression after surgery
My Daddy went through the same thing after he had heart surgery. He would not go to a psychiatrist or counselor. We spoke with his primary care physician who put him on Paxil which helped tremendously. Ask your PCP or cardiologist if it would be possible to start him on an antidepressant to see if that may make a diffence.
Good luck and take care.
I don't think the depression meds --sm
should be taken in conjunction with pot. Anger and anxiety issues were already present prior to father's death. He may be grieving on some level, as his own psyche will allow, but sounds more like an excuse to me. I have lived with these types in the past. His lack of ambition is probably due to the pot, as well. Thinking of the child, I feel that separation from the source of this frustration would be the best thing for the boy. Counseling rarely works for the spouse, but it would probably benefit you. Go with your gut reaction on this as to what is best. You live with the man, and you know more about him than what you can post here. Trust your instincts. Good luck to you.
Could you be suffering from a depression?
Maybe go to your doctor and ask for an exam regarding your symptoms of being tired and wanting to always eat. Those are signs of depression. Are you on an antidepressant? They certainly have helped me.
Jan
Even postpartum depression.
I had a friend who was not even the same person after she had her second child. She was afraid to go out in public and would field all her calls through her husband and had never done anything like that before. We tried to go out together one day and she made me turn around and take her back home.
It turned out she had postpartum depression and after some time, therapy, understanding friends and short-term medication, she was fine.
Of course, the added stress of the baby's physical problems could easily account for a reason for the depression.
People have told me that one of the best things they appreciate from a friend is a sincere card or letter expressing empathy and concern. They like being able to read the sentiments again whenever they are down. Just a word of caution, always re-read such a letter before sending it to make sure there is no hint of something that could be taken the wrong way.
Recession/depression
I think we are at a "stuck" point, where it could shoot up or fall down into a rescession. I hope to God, it shoots up. I heard gas isn't coming down til after the first of the year (2009)
recession/depression
I think Michigan is already in a recession. It is just sickening to see all the homes that have been foreclosed. Everytime you watch the news or read a paper it is just more people losing their jobs. I don't know how much more people here can take. Hopefully things pick up soon!
PPMD/depression
I have depression. Right before my time, I get terrible. I am taking sertraline (Zoloft) right now all the time. While I was asking my Dr. about this medication she mentioned to me that some woman only take it for PPMD and/or up the dose during that time. I am actually considering going back to her and asking about this because during my time I get irritable and sad still.  I hear ya!!
Best Description of a Depression
I really think the movie "Cinderella Man" gives a good and accurate portrayal of the Great Depression.
depression era music
jazz age
http://dismuke.org/radio/
It sounds like you might have depression.
Maybe you could see a doctor? Talk therapy could help, especially if you work at home and don't get a chance to talk to *adults* much.
If you can't/don't want to see a doc (and you think it could be depression), you could try a supplement called SAMe (can get it at Target). Do some research about it on Google. It has helped some people. It's not too expensive and supposedly it starts working fast so you'd know if it were going to work for you before you spent too much.
With depression you lose either way -- sm
depression pretty much kills sex drive, but so do antidepressants. Still, I prefer to be on the meds.
Anxiety and depression are two different diagnoses
Sometimes they co-exist, sometimes they don't, sometimes long-term suffering of one will create the other. Some are situational, some are chemical. Family docs now spooning out SSRIs like candy have blurred them into a generic diagnosis with a generic fix, IMO.
While I totally agree re. depression...nm
to poster above who has done a fine job and counsels others on getting money into the bank, the stark reality is that no matter how much $$ one has in the bank, when depression hits - and it will - all that money isn't going to amount to a hill of beans that was covered by the floods in the upper states. The dollar bill has little value now, so when the depression hits none of it will be worth anything. Best stockpile on canned and paper goods (TP will be at a premium, I'm told by financiers) now with that $$ in the bank 'cause that's all you are going to have!
A few suggestions on beating depression.
In the same boat gave good suggestions for the medical care part. I strongly urge you to consider an anti-depressant and/or an anti-anxiety medication. They are not addictive, do not turn you into a zombie and will help you tremendously in every arena, especially work. You could try OTC St John's wort. This did not help my depression (it seems to run in my family and I think mine is hereditary) but I have friends who say it has helped them. It is possible your depression is being aggravated by SAD (seasonal affective disorder).
Make sure you are getting plenty of sleep. If you have trouble with insomnia, another really good natural remedy for that is melatonin. You find it in the vitamin section of the drug store. It is inexpensive and is not habit-forming. There is no set dosage. They come in 1 mg and 3 mg tablets that can be split. Start with the 1 mg and increase by 0.5 mg until you reach your ideal without hangover effect in the a.m. 3 mg is what I typically take, but have taken as much as 4.5. Again, insomnia runs in my family and it is likely your dosage would be less.
Exercise helps with depression A LOT. This does not have to be strenuous or extreme. A 20 to 45 minute walk 3 times a week or more will do WONDERS for you. Biking is great also and in the summer, swimming.
Here's something else I strongly suggest. I know it's a hard one, because I am a mom too. Stop trying to take care of everybody else for the time being and put focus on helping yourself. Find things you enjoy doing that do not cost money and then DO THEM. This can be difficult at first. Take baby steps at first. Make a modest plan for a day off, wake up and PRETEND you are not depressed, then put one foot in front of the other. Read books, watch favorite TV shows, surf the net, window shop, light candles and incense and soak in a hot water tub with soothing bath salts, listen to music, pot plants using cuttings, cook a delicious meal, change your hairstyle, experiment with make-up and new clothing styles (go to stores and try them on), start a journal or do a little research on a new hobby. Sometimes even housework can be therapeutic. Whatever you do, be very kind to yourself and do not beat yourself up if you don't get as much done as you would like. The road back takes time and practice.
Get proactive about your job. Look for work at home with a company with insurance. Make up your mind that you are going to kick this depression, not the other way around.
Only if you've never suffered from depression and
Walk a mile or two in my shoes before you go judging me, or anyone else who's been helped by antidepressants.
Can you get him to the PCP? They can handle this type of depression most times -nm
:-)
Our stories are very, very similar. Due to my severe depression sm
something horrible happened which I cannot speak of here. It is the main reason I found God, so you and I are alike in that matter.
As for God rescuing you like that - that is amazing. I guess we can just agree to disagree on this one. He saved you by showing you meds and saying it's okay to take them, and He healed me from my ailment without meds. Who is to say one is better than the other? That is why the saying goes that God works in mysterious ways!
I am happy for you! Continue to do what you are doing. I am not judging you. I only spoke to NCMT through my own experiences. We all have our own experiences.
either postpartum depression or embarrassed/guilt
I have known people to withdraw due to feeling like people are going to make fun of their child, blaming themselves or postpartum depression. Is this their first child? Could be that she is just simply overwhelmed. What does her mother-in-law/mother think? Is she also pulling away from them?
Just let her know that you are there for her even if that means sending her a card.
POLL: Are we headed for a recession/depression?
Do you think we are headed there or already there. Some people have told me they think it is going to get really bad like during the great depression. opinions?
If your mom and dad just divorced this year, have you ever thought of depression? sm
Maybe your dad is going through a real hard adjustment to his new life and could use a little help or boost from you instead of a cold shoulder. Sounds to me like he might just be in some major depression as his life has had a drastic change. Reach out to him and help him in his time of need. Sure he is an adult, but everyone can walk on hard times with major traumatic events going on in their life and he may just lack desire to care due to his depression.
Anybody's hubby went through Open Heart Surgery and can't get out of depression?
I seem to be having a big problem with mine. He wasn't too bad after surgery, but since then, there have been a lot of house problems. i.e., water , septic system problems, roof leaking, my car not passing inspection so down to 1 vehicle, etc., etc.
He feels he cannot handle it anymore. He'll sit in our garage for hours on end doing nothing, but knowing he should be doing something. Yet, everything he does lately, does not solve a problem and he winds up doing something else for the same problem. It never bothered him before except ot get him mad he didn't do it right the first time (does anybody understand what I'm saying here?). He's feeling very "old" and incompetent but nothing I do or say is getting him out of this depression.
I'm afraid for him but don't tell me to make an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist...he would never go. He's losing interest in eating, too, and even fixing his favorite foods depresses him because he thinks it's not made the same.
Anybody have any suggestions? I don't know what else to do lately. Thanks fo the help.
Haven't you heard? We're in a recession and/or depression?
so, why would there be a raise in benefits if there is no inflation?
The risk of suicide is greater in people with depression anyway sm
I personally have suffered from depression for most of my life, and the only time I feel "normal" is when I am on some kind of antidepressant. It takes time and a patient understanding doctor to work with you until you are on the right one at the right dosage, but I strongly feel that it is irresponsible and dangerous to tell someone not to take an antidepressant if they need it. You don't go telling diabetics that they shouldn't take insulin because people taking it are more likely to have high blood sugar do you? Makes about as much sense to me
Regular exercise helps, too, but watch for depression if you're
s
Many meds for depression and mental retardation make people very SM
heavy. My friend has gained probably 75 pounds or more since being on some of the meds. Don't know quite why they contribute to weight loss, but one commercial some years ago said that it does something to the part of the brain that senses when you are full. . . . .
It looks fun to drive, too! -- nm
xx
So who is going to drive them to the
bank? You? I doubt they have a good enough credit rating to get the house, so just get your paperwork in order as quickly as you can and see if you can beat the competition to it, no matter who the competition is. While you stew, a whole other person might come in and snap up the house you want.
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