I have read that changes in hormones can affect or trigger mood disorders. So menopause can require a change in psych meds or dosage. And if you go on HRT to manage the menopausal symptoms, that may also require a change in psych meds or dosage.
I had a hysterectomy with ovary removal (unnecessary at that) in 2006 and I plummeted into severe depression (never had mood problems before). The depression continued while on an inadequate estrogen. After I got enough estrogen in my body, the depression lifted and has not returned.
saw my Psych DR today and he wants me to DC the Estrace!!! He thinks I am getting too much estrogen which in turn is causing my mood swings.....nothing to do with my Bipolar!!
The weird thing is my PCP did not even check my hormone levels before she put me on the Estrace so it is very possible that I am getting too much estrogen despite me only having 1 ovary!!
I took it upon myself to quit taking the Estrace 3 days ago and I have to say that today I feel better than I have this whole last week!!!
Hope this may help someone else!!
=)
Lisa
Thank you for taking the time to respond!!
When my PCP prescribed the Estrace she told me if in a couple months I decided that I didn't need it anymore I could just stop it and pick it back up if the night sweats & hot flashes get to be too much again!
So I missed my dose today and will not take it until after I see my Phsyc DR on Fri....the good thing is my PCP & my Phsyc DR are in the same clinic so they can easily communicate if they need to!!
I sure will keep y'all updated in hopes that this may help someone else!!
Thanks so much!!
Lisa
I'm sorry to say that I don't have the knowledge to respond to your question. Hopefully, someone else here can help you.
But........since you are seeing your p-doc in two days, can you hang on until then when you will get a definitive answer?
If not, please call the doctor who prescribed the Estrace and tell him/her what is happening. They may tell you to discontinue the medication. I cannot advise you to change your meds in any way.
If this is causing anxiety for you, please don't hesitate to contact your doctors office. This could be a very normal side effect of the Estrace and not your BP starting to cycle. Peace of mind is worth a phone call.
I wish you the best and hope you'll let us know how you're doing. Your experience could help us help someone else.
Peace
RubyWitch